Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has launched a blistering attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government, accusing both bodies of failing to properly honour the late national team goalkeeper Peter Rufai at his funeral.
West described the situation as a “national shame” and “madness,” lamenting the neglect of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football icons.
Rufai, popularly known as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ died on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. A key member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, he remains one of Nigeria’s most respected goalkeepers.
His passing drew tributes from across the football world, but West says the funeral lacked the official recognition befitting his contributions to the game.
In an emotional video, West, a former teammate of Rufai, expressed his anguish.
“For me, it is disheartening that you have Lagos State, the NFF, they dropped the bulk on the family,” he said. “I felt in my spirit, there is nothing to put your life for; that is why I said I had to shift back so I wouldn’t implode.”
The ex-Inter Milan defender, who played alongside Rufai for Nigeria during the 1990s, described the loss as deeply personal.
“It’s grieving. My mother passed on; I never shed tears. My father passed in my hands; I never shed tears. But when Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples, and every individual I spoke to had tears rolling down their cheeks. What kind of a nation is this?”
West broadened his criticism, recalling how other Nigerian greats like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, and Samuel Soffoluwe were similarly neglected.
“With this kind of example they have shown… I will never advise my son to put his feet in this country. Sell me out! Do we have a football association? Or do we have a football association? That’s madness,” he fumed.
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