Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly neglecting the family of late legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Emotional Tribute at Burial
Speaking during Rufai’s burial in a video posted by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the abandonment of Nigerian football heroes after their death.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family,” West lamented.
He added that Rufai’s passing hit him harder than the loss of his own parents, saying,
“My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples… tears rolled down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
Neglect of Nigerian Football Legends
West recalled similar neglect faced by the families of late football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, stressing that the treatment of ex-players discourages him from allowing his children to pursue football for Nigeria.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country… Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” he said.
Rufai’s Legacy
Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the country’s debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
He passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
