PFAN Urges State Honour as Peter Rufai’s Burial Date is Announced

The family of late Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, has set August 22 as the date for his burial, as tributes continue to pour in for the former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Sport360NG reports.

In the wake of the announcement, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) is calling on the Lagos State Government and national sports authorities to organise a befitting farewell in recognition of Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football.

Describing the late shot-stopper as “a patriotic, dedicated, and totally committed servant of the nation,” PFAN appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau to support the family and ensure a celebratory state-level burial.

“Peter Rufai deserves nothing short of a carnival-like, befitting burial. It’s time for Nigeria to truly honour its heroes,” PFAN stated. The association also lamented what it described as a lack of sustained support for the Rufai family beyond initial condolence gestures.

A PFAN delegation led by ex-international Tajudeen Ajide visited the Rufai family residence in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, on July 30. The group, which included PFAN 1st Vice President Clement Temile, Lagos PFAN Chairman Taju Disu, and National Treasurer Princewill Gbogbodu, pledged continued support for the family.

Ajide expressed confidence that the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with federal sports bodies, would actively participate in honouring Rufai’s legacy.

In response, a family representative, Dele Rufai, conveyed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the association’s visit came at a crucial time and brought significant emotional relief.

To celebrate Rufai’s life and career, PFAN is coordinating with the Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Football Association to stage a valedictory football match on August 22. The event will feature football clubs and academies across the state, all expected to appear in their official kits.

The match, which could take place at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium, depending on approval for the lying-in-state ceremony, is expected to draw a large turnout, including divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs.

Peter Rufai, a stalwart of Nigerian football, was widely respected for his achievements in goal for the Super Eagles. His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, but efforts are underway to ensure his legacy endures.