Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for what he described as their shameful neglect of the family of late Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
Speaking during a recent public appearance, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed grief and disappointment that Rufai’s family had to resort to soliciting funds to cover burial and related expenses. He described the situation as both “disheartening” and “madness,” accusing the authorities of abandoning a national hero in death.
“The NFF and Lagos State Football Association dropped the bulk on the family. This is the same pattern we saw with Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, and others. It’s painful and shameful that Nigerian football legends are treated this way after giving their all to the nation,” West lamented.
The outspoken former defender further revealed that the recurring neglect of fallen football icons has left him so disillusioned that he would never advise his own son to represent Nigeria.
“What value is there in serving your country through football when in the end, your family is left stranded? This system is broken,” West said in an emotional outburst.
His comments have reignited debate over the welfare of retired and deceased Nigerian athletes, many of whom are remembered for their sacrifices on the pitch but often abandoned once their careers are over.
Would you like me to expand this further into a feature-style piece with background on Rufai’s career and past controversies about Nigeria’s treatment of its sports legends, or keep it strictly as a hard news report?
