Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government for their failure to properly honour late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai at his funeral.
West, speaking emotionally in a video shared by journalist Olawale Adigun via “News Central”, described the neglect as “madness” and a national disgrace.
Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana”, died on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. The former goalkeeper was a key figure in Nigeria’s historic 1994 AFCON-winning squad.
Despite his legendary status, his funeral reportedly lacked official representation and recognition from Nigerian football authorities.
A Nation That Abandons Its Heroes
West, visibly heartbroken, recounted how the burden of the burial was left for Rufai’s family and close friends.
“For me, it is disheartening. Lagos State, the NFF, they dropped everything on the family. What kind of a nation is this?” he lamented.
He added that the treatment of Rufai was similar to the neglect shown to past heroes like Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Thompson Oliha.
The former Inter Milan defender expressed his grief, saying Rufai’s death struck him harder than the passing of his own parents. “When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples, and everyone I spoke to shed tears. It’s sad.”
Experts Join in Condemnation
Joining West in his criticism, football expert Olawale Adigun blasted the authorities for ignoring Rufai’s contributions.
“Shame on the NFF, shame on the FG. They celebrate others for cheap points but fail to honour a true legend,” Adigun stated.
The outcry has reignited calls within the Nigerian football community for accountability and proper recognition of national heroes, stressing that the legacies of icons like Peter Rufai must not be forgotten.
