Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has voiced searing criticism against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for what he described as their neglect of football legend Peter Rufai’s family.
Speaking during Rufai’s burial on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed profound disappointment over the perceived lack of institutional support for Nigeria’s football icons.
In an emotionally charged address captured in a video circulating online, West questioned the commitment of Nigerian authorities to honour their sports heroes, particularly after 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,” he lamented.
West contrasted his reaction to Rufai’s passing with his own personal losses, noted the depth of his grief:
“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?”
He further criticized the systemic disregard for Nigeria’s football legends, referencing the mistreatment of other deceased national team stars, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliya, and Yisa Sofoule and declared that he would never encourage his son to play for the country.
“With this kind of example they have shown… 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,” West said, his voice heavy with emotion.
West also highlighted the indignity faced by Rufai’s family, reportedly forced to solicit funds privately to cover funeral costs. “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 added.
WATCH HIM SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW
Peter Rufai, who made his international debut in December 1981, enjoyed a celebrated 14-year career with the Super Eagles and club stints across Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
The former goalkeeper passed away on July 3 at the age of 61 in Lagos after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that many Nigerians—including Taribo West—feel is yet to be properly honoured.
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