By Huldah Shado
Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Lagos State Government for allegedly neglecting the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Speaking at Rufai’s burial in a video shared by News Central, the ex-Inter Milan star decried the lack of support for Nigerian football legends after their death.
“It’s disheartening that Lagos State and the NFF dropped the burden on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I said I have to step back so that I won’t implode. It’s grieving,” West lamented.
He recalled similar neglect of other late icons, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, stressing that such treatment discouraged him from advising his own children to serve the nation through football.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to play for this country.
“Do we have a Football Federation or a Football Association that treats heroes this way?” he asked.
West also expressed shock that Rufai’s family had to solicit funds for the burial.
“Could you imagine that the family was crying and begging for money? That is madness,” he said, visibly emotional.
