Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has expressed disappointment over what he described as the neglect of Nigerian football legends, following the death and burial of ex-goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
Speaking on Thursday at the service of songs held for Rufai in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, West said football authorities had failed to provide adequate support for the late goalkeeper’s family. Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana”, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the country’s maiden FIFA World Cup appearance the same year.
Visibly emotional, West criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Football Association, accusing them of abandoning Rufai’s family.
“It is disheartening that after serving the country, his family is left to struggle. We had to start soliciting money among ourselves just to support them. That is unacceptable,” he said.
The former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender, who is now a pastor, also recalled the neglect of other late football icons, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, and Yisa Shofoluwe. He declared that he would not encourage his son to represent Nigeria under the current conditions.
“With the way our heroes are treated, I will never advise my son to play for this country,” West stated.
Overcome with emotion, he revealed that Rufai’s death shook him deeply.
“My parents died and I did not shed tears, but when Rufai passed on, I wept. He was a true football evangelist,” he said before walking away from reporters.
Rufai, who also played for Sharks FC and several clubs abroad, was regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers. His death has reignited debates about the welfare and recognition of retired athletes who served the nation.
