Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has expressed disappointment over the treatment of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai’s family, allegedly accusing both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government of neglect. Speaking during Rufai’s burial, West claimed that the family had been left without meaningful support despite the institutions once benefiting from the goalkeeper’s contributions.
West, known for his passionate personality, described Rufai’s passing as a personal breaking point. He said the family had been reduced to soliciting assistance among friends, which he considered shameful. “When Rufai passed on. I had goose pimples on my body, tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this? Could you imagine the family crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” he allegedly remarked.
The Lagacy of Peter Rufai
Peter Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” died on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling illness. He was one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, leading the Super Eagles to victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and appearing at both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Days before his death, Rufai disclosed plans to release his memoir, My Story, chronicling his journey from Port Harcourt to international stardom.
For Taribo, the alleged neglect of Rufai’s family symbolizes a broader failure to properly honor Nigeria’s sporting heroes after their playing days. “With this example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet in this country… That this hero has to be treated this way is shameful,” he said.
