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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning the family of late legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, during his funeral rites.
Speaking at Rufai’s funeral service held on Friday, August 22, in Lagos, West expressed disappointment that despite Rufai’s immense contributions to Nigerian football, his family was left to seek financial assistance from friends and colleagues.
He said, “It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. Could you imagine that the family would be crying to solicit within our groups, just to ask for money? It is madness. With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country.”
The ex-Inter Milan star described Rufai’s death as a personal loss, admitting he was more shaken than when his own parents passed away.
“My mother passed on. I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands. I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body,” he lamented.
West further questioned the role of the football authorities, insisting that a national hero like Rufai deserved better recognition and support.
However, former Nigerian international, Waidi Akanni, countered West’s claims, stating that the Lagos State Government supported the family with ₦15 million, in addition to contributions from the Lagos State Football Association, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and individuals.
Peter Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana”, died on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest on Friday at the Ikoyi Cemetery following a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation, Festac Town, Lagos.
Rufai was a key member of the Super Eagles’ golden generation, winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.