Taribo West, a former defender for the Super Eagles, criticized the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday for allegedly ignoring the family of the late goalie Peter Rufai.
In a video released by News Central on Friday, the former Inter Milan player spoke at Rufai’s funeral and bemoaned what he called the disregard for Nigerian football icons after their passing.
“Having Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Association is depressing.” The family bears the brunt of it. There is nothing worth living for, I sensed in my spirit. I claim that in order to avoid imploding, I must move back. It’s mourning.
“My mom died. I never cried. In my hands, my father died. I never cried. I was covered in goose bumps when Rufai died. And tears were streaming down my cheeks as I spoke to each person. What sort of country is this? He stated
The former international emphasized that the way previous players were treated deterred him from encouraging his kids to play football for the nation. He recalled similar experiences with late football greats like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
“I will never encourage my son to sacrifice himself for our nation with such an example. Let me go! Does Lagos State have either a Football Federation or a Football Association? that his family must treat this football preacher, soldier, and hero in this manner.
Would you believe that the family would be in tears merely to beg for money in our groups? That is insane. Look, let me leave, please. He said, “I don’t want to spill my heart.”
Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalie during the 1994 FIFA World Cup debut and the country’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
He died in July of 2025.
