Taribo West in his active year
Taribo West, a former Super Eagles defender, has accused his country of always neglecting its football giants when they retire. West played for several clubs during his football career, including Auxerre (France) – where he won the UEFA Cup in 1998, Inter Milan (Italy) – where he continued to excel and won the UEFA Cup in 1998. AC Milan (Italy) – where he played until 2000, Derby County (England) – during the 2000 winter transfer window, Heartland F.C. (Nigeria) – where he played for two seasons before retiring. He also represented the Nigerian national team, earning 42 caps.
At the burial of another Nigerian football giant, Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana) recently, West accused the Nigerian Government of abandoning Rufai when he needed support. He also named more ex-Nigerian football stars who lived and died miserably.
He blamed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning the family of late goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, saying such neglect is why he would never encourage his own son to visit the country.
He said, “It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.
“My mother passed on. I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands. I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
“With this kind of example they have shown in (Yisa) Sofoule, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliya and Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family.
“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit in within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he stated.
Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments, playing a key role as the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 on both occasions. He also starred in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), winning silver in 1984 and 1988 before lifting the trophy with Nigeria in 1994.
The late goalkeeper made his international debut in December 1981 and had a stellar career that spanned over 14 years in the national team. He played for club sides in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Rufai died on July 3 at the age of 61 in a Lagos hospital after reportedly battling a long-term illness.
But the NFF responded in post on X saying “In support of the burial rites of Christian Chukwu, the NFF provided financial assistance to his family, and was represented by Executive Committee Member Chief George Aluo, Barr. Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.
“Similarly, at the funeral mass of Peter Rufai in Lagos, the NFF also offered financial support to his family. The delegation included Executive Committee Member Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr. Ademola Olajire,” the circular read.
The federation further stated that it honoured their “service, celebrated their legacy, and extended continued support to their families.”
This comes after widespread outrage over the plight of Rufai’s family, who reportedly struggled to raise funds to give the late goalkeeper a decent burial.
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