{"id":23572,"date":"2025-08-22T12:02:23","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.withinnigeria.com\/gist\/?p=23572"},"modified":"2025-08-22T12:14:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:14:07","slug":"i-will-never-advise-my-son-to-set-foot-in-this-country-taribo-west-fumes-blasts-nff-lagos-govt-over-peter-rufais-funeral-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.withinnigeria.com\/gist\/2025\/08\/22\/i-will-never-advise-my-son-to-set-foot-in-this-country-taribo-west-fumes-blasts-nff-lagos-govt-over-peter-rufais-funeral-video\/","title":{"rendered":"I will never advise my son to play for this country – Taribo West fumes, blasts NFF, Lagos Govt over Peter Rufai\u2019s funeral (VIDEO)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

Speaking during Rufai\u2019s burial on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed profound disappointment over the perceived lack of institutional support for Nigeria\u2019s football icons.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It\u2019s grieving,<\/strong>\u201d he lamented.<\/p>\n

West contrasted his reaction to Rufai\u2019s passing with his own personal losses, noted the depth of his grief:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy 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\u2019m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

He further criticized the systemic disregard for Nigeria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith this kind of example they have shown\u2026 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<\/strong>,\u201d West said, his voice heavy with emotion.<\/p>\n

West also highlighted the indignity faced by Rufai\u2019s family, reportedly forced to solicit funds privately to cover funeral costs. \u201cCould 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\u2019t want to pour my heart<\/strong>,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

WATCH HIM SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW<\/strong><\/p>\n