Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has strongly criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government over what he described as their “shameful neglect” in honouring late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai during his funeral.
Speaking at Rufai’s burial in a video shared by News Central on Friday, West expressed outrage at what he described as the consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to honour football heroes after their death.
He lamented the lack of institutional support for Rufai’s family, accusing Nigerian football authorities and government agencies of abandoning their responsibilities.
Peter Rufai, fondly called Dodo Mayana, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers. A key member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, Rufai was widely respected for his leadership and contributions to Nigerian football.
He passed away on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
His death, which shocked fans across the country, reignited discussions about how Nigeria treats its sporting heroes, both in life and in death.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.
“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 on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
“With this kind of example they have shown in (Yisa) Sofoule, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliya and Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family.
“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he stated.
See the video here
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https://pasteldrowsyaboriginal.com/kx6iepv2qm?key=6c14bd1d68e1eba721851f19778f5efe
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