Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the 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 on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed disappointment over what he described as the recurring abandonment of Nigerian football icons after their death.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association, and they drop the burden on the family. I felt in my spirit there is nothing to put your life for.
“That’s why I say I have to step back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving,” West said emotionally.
The former defender recalled similar experiences with late football greats, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, stressing that the trend has discouraged him from encouraging his children to serve the country through football.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet in this country.
“Do we have a Football Federation or a Football Association in Lagos State? That this hero, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family?” he asked.
West also criticised the fact that Rufai’s family had to solicit funds within private groups to cover expenses.
“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit for money? That is madness,” he added.
Rufai, who was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, passed away recently, drawing widespread tributes from fans and former teammates.