Taribo West slams NFF, Lagos Govt over Rufai’s burial
Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has expressed deep disappointment with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government over what he described as their neglect of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai’s family.
Speaking during Rufai’s burial in Lagos, West criticized football authorities for abandoning one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers after his death, saying the treatment of the family was shameful and heartbreaking.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family,” West told News Central in an interview.
The former Inter Milan star said the experience left him disillusioned about Nigeria and its treatment of sports heroes, insisting he would never encourage his own child to visit the country.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet in this country. Send me out!” he declared.
West recalled being emotionally shaken by Rufai’s death, despite having remained composed during the deaths of his own parents. “My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears. But when Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. Every individual I spoke to had tears rolling down their cheeks. What kind of nation is this?” he lamented.
The ex-international also condemned the financial struggles faced by Rufai’s family in the aftermath of his passing. “Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” he said.
West urged authorities to show greater respect and support for Nigerian football legends, warning that continued neglect would only discourage future generations.
