Lagos, Nigeria – In a poignant outburst at the funeral of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, ex-defender Taribo West has lambasted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for their alleged neglect of the nation’s sporting heroes. West’s emotional remarks, captured in a video by News Central, have ignited widespread debate about the systemic failures in supporting retired athletes.
“What kind of nation is this?” West exclaimed during the ceremony, highlighting the family’s struggle to fund Rufai’s burial. He described the situation as a “national disgrace,” pointing out that Rufai’s relatives were forced to solicit donations despite the late player’s significant contributions to Nigerian football. Rufai, who passed away earlier this year, was a key figure in the Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and represented Nigeria at the World Cup.
West, a veteran of the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, went further by vowing to discourage his son from ever playing for the national team. He cited the tragic fates of other legends, such as Stephen Keshi and Rashidi Yekini, who he claimed were similarly abandoned in their later years. “If this is how we treat our heroes, why should my son risk his life for this country?” West questioned, underscoring what he perceives as a pattern of indifference from sports authorities.
The former Inter Milan and Derby County player also took aim at the NFF, querying its very existence and effectiveness. “Where is the Football Federation? What are they doing?” he demanded, reflecting broader frustrations with Nigerian sports administration, which has long been plagued by funding shortages, corruption allegations, and inadequate welfare programmes for ex-players.
The video, titled ‘What kind of nation is this?’ — Taribo West laments treatment of late Rufai, has since gone viral, sparking heated discussions on social media platforms and among football enthusiasts. Supporters of the government and NFF have pushed back, insisting that financial assistance was indeed provided to Rufai’s family, though specifics remain unverified. Conversely, several former players and fans have rallied behind West, amplifying calls for urgent reforms. “It’s time we honour our legends properly – not just with words, but with real support,” tweeted one prominent ex-international, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of retired athletes in Nigeria, where many face financial hardship despite their past glories. Advocacy groups have urged the NFF and state governments to establish dedicated pension schemes and healthcare initiatives to prevent such oversights in the future.
As the debate rages on, West’s words serve as a stark reminder of the need for systemic change in Nigerian football. Whether this outcry will prompt action remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly shone a light on the often-overlooked plight of the country’s sporting icons.
