Taribo West, a former Super Eagles defender, passionately spoke out at the burial of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai in Lagos on Friday.
His voice, heavy with grief and frustration, exposed a wound that has long festered in Nigerian football: the systemic neglect of its heroes. At Rufai’s funeral, West did not hold back, accusing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government of abandoning the late goalkeeper’s family, despite Rufai’s immense contributions to Nigerian football. This emotional outburst has reignited national debates on how Nigeria treats its sporting icons, raising critical questions about gratitude, legacy, and national pride.
“It’s disheartening that Lagos State and the NFF left the burden on the family,” West said, visibly struggling with emotion. “I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to fight for. That’s why I had to step back, to prevent myself from imploding. It’s grief.” For someone who never shed tears at the passing of his own parents, West’s raw emotion over Rufai’s death was a testament to their deep bond.
Peter Rufai, who passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61, was a giant in Nigerian football. As the first-choice goalkeeper during Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) win in Tunisia and their historic World Cup debut in the United States, Rufai’s impact on the sport is undeniable. His 65 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1983 and 1998, combined with his professional career across Europe with clubs like Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, and Deportivo La Coruña, cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s finest. Yet, according to West, Rufai’s family was left to beg for financial assistance to cover burial expenses a situation he described as “madness.”
“Could you imagine that the family had to beg within our circles to ask for money?” West lamented. “That’s madness. It breaks my heart.”
This is not an isolated incident. West pointed to the troubling pattern of neglect faced by other Nigerian football icons, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha fellow members of the celebrated 1994 Super Eagles squad. Rufai’s death marks the sixth player from that iconic team to pass away, following Keshi, Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha, and Uche Okafor. West argued that this tragic trend reflects a larger failure to honor those who brought glory to Nigeria.
“I would never advise my son to dedicate his life to this country,” West declared. “Do we even have a Football Federation or just a Football Association in Lagos State? That such a hero, a football evangelist, has to be treated this way is a national shame.”
The neglect of Nigeria’s football legends is not only a personal tragedy but also a national embarrassment. Football in Nigeria is more than just a sport; it’s a unifying force, a source of pride for a country with over 200 million people. The Super Eagles’ 1994 AFCON victory and their spirited World Cup performance that same year placed Nigeria on the global map, inspiring a generation of fans and players. Today, football remains Nigeria’s most popular sport, with 82 million fans, almost 40% of the population, translating into significant economic impact through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, matchday sales, and merchandise.
In 2023, the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) secured a landmark $1 billion broadcast deal with StarTimes, marking a new era in the commercial growth of Nigeria’s football sector. Despite this, the welfare of retired athletes remains a critical issue. A 2021 survey by the Nigerian Sports Development Agency revealed that 68% of retired athletes do not receive any formal pension or support from sports authorities, leaving many in financial distress after their careers end.
West’s comments have sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many fans echoing his frustration. On X, some described the situation as a “national disgrace.” One user, @Teemah433, wrote, “This doesn’t sit well with me. It might seem generous on the surface, but it’s not about charity; it’s about state responsibility.” Others reported that the Lagos State Government contributed ₦15 million to Rufai’s family, alongside additional contributions from the Lagos State Football Association and individuals. While this gesture provided some relief, it did little to address the systemic issues West highlighted.
The NFF has faced criticism for its handling of Rufai’s legacy. Despite offering condolences on social media and attending the funeral, their actions have been deemed insufficient by many. West’s accusation that they “dropped the bulk” on the family suggests a lack of meaningful support during Rufai’s illness and funeral preparations.
This issue transcends football; it speaks to how Nigeria values those who sacrifice for its glory. Rufai, a prince from the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, was not just a footballer; he was a trailblazer who opened doors for Nigerian footballers in Europe. His Staruf Football Academy, which mentored young talents in Nigeria and Spain, continued his legacy after his retirement, yet he fought illness without adequate institutional support.
The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, mourned Rufai’s passing, with the governor calling it a “painful loss to our country, Lagos State, and Nigeria.” However, words alone cannot undo the neglect felt by Rufai’s family and peers.
The implications are stark. Nigeria’s youth, who see football as a way out of poverty, may be deterred from representing their country if they feel their sacrifices will be forgotten. West’s declaration that he would “never advise even my son to put his feet for this country” is a scathing critique of a system that fails its heroes. With more than 58% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the country has a tremendous opportunity to tap into its youthful demographic for growth, but many face challenges in securing stable employment, leading to increasing disillusionment.
To address these challenges, Nigeria could look to successful international models for retired athlete welfare. Brazil’s “Bolsa Atleta” program, for example, has provided financial assistance to over 37,000 athletes, enabling them to focus on their training without financial worry. Germany’s Deutsche Sporthilfe Foundation has also been instrumental in supporting elite athletes, offering financial aid, career planning, and personal development programs.
By establishing a similar system in Nigeria, the country can not only honor its sporting legends but also ensure that they are supported during and after their careers. This system could be funded through a portion of football revenue or other sports-related incomes, creating a lasting legacy of care and recognition for athletes like Rufai.
Taribo West’s emotional outcry at Peter Rufai’s burial is a wake-up call for Nigeria. It is a plea to build a system that values sacrifice and legacy, ensuring that heroes like Rufai are not forgotten.
