Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has spoken out in grief and frustration over the passing of his teammate, late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, condemning what he described as neglect by Nigerian football authorities.
Speaking to journalists at Rufai’s service of songs in Lagos, West expressed his sorrow at the loss of his friend while criticising the lack of support for the family. He revealed that Rufai’s loved ones had to appeal online for funds to cover burial expenses, calling the situation “madness.”
“I’m just happy to be here and see some of my old contemporaries, sharing the burden and pain with the family,” West said. “It’s disheartening that Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Federation abandoned the family. This is a hero, a soldier, a football evangelist, and his family had to cry for help from our groups. What kind of nation is this?”
Visibly emotional, West shared the deep personal impact of Rufai’s death. “My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears. But when Rufai passed, I had goosebumps and tears rolling down my cheeks,” he said.
He also lamented the way other Nigerian football legends, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, and Shefowluwe, have been treated, warning that such examples would deter him from encouraging his son to pursue a career in Nigerian football.
West’s heartfelt remarks underscore the challenges faced by former players and highlight calls for greater support and recognition from football authorities in Nigeria.
"With this kind of example they have shown in late Stephen Keshi… I will never advice my son to put his feet for this country…"
Super Eagles icon Taribo West says he would never advise his son to play for Nigeria, pointing to the government’s neglect of sportsmen. pic.twitter.com/d7SPOsKjuW
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) August 22, 2025
