Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, saying such neglect is why he would never encourage his own son to visit the country.
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Speaking at Rufai’s burial in a video shared by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed outrage at what he described as the consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to honour football heroes after their deaths.
He said, “It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They leave the burden on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing worth putting your life into. That’s why I say I have to step 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 goosebumps all over 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 set foot in this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation, or do we have a Football Association in Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his own family.
“Could you imagine the family having to cry just to solicit funds within our groups? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart out,” he stated.
Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments, playing a key role as the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 on both occasions. He also starred in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), winning silver in 1984 and 1988 before lifting the trophy with Nigeria in 1994.
The late goalkeeper made his international debut in December 1981 and had a stellar career that spanned over 14 years with the national team. He played for club sides in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Rufai died on July 3 at the age of 61 in a Lagos hospital after reportedly battling a long-term illness.
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