After the death of Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai, his family has been left to struggle, according to former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West.
West publicly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government, accusing them of abandoning Rufai’s family.
West expressed his disappointment and frustration over the lack of support, questioning why Nigerian football heroes are seemingly forgotten after they pass away.
Speaking at Rufai’s burial, West stated, “It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family.”
West recounted his emotional response to Rufai’s passing, saying he had goosebumps and tears rolling down his cheeks, unlike when his own parents passed away.
Taribo West drew parallels with other late football icons, saying, “With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country.”
He expressed dismay over the treatment of ex-players, citing cases like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
West questioned the functionality of the football governing bodies, stating, “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.”
West’s emotional outburst shed light on the struggles faced by Peter Rufai’s family after his death.
“That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family,” West lamented, referencing the family’s reported struggles.
The family was forced to solicit for money, with West expressing his disappointment, “Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness.”
Persecondnews reports that Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” left a lasting legacy as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the country’s debut at the FIFA World Cup.
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