By Emeka Blast 
“Taribo West Decries Nation’s Treatment of Late Rufai: ‘What Kind of Country Is This?’”
Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has unleashed a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government, accusing them of abandoning the family of late legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai during his illness and burial preparations. Speaking emotionally at Rufai’s funeral service in Lagos on Thursday, August 21, 2025, West questioned the nation’s values, declaring, “What kind of nation is this?” His remarks, captured in a viral video shared by News Central, have sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates about Nigeria’s treatment of its sports heroes.
Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on July 3, 2025, at age 61 after battling a prolonged illness in a Lagos hospital. A national icon, Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and the country’s debut FIFA World Cup appearance that year, as well as the 1998 World Cup. Despite his storied career with clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, West revealed that Rufai’s family was forced to crowdfund funeral expenses, with the NFF and Lagos State allegedly offering no financial support.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family,” West lamented, visibly emotional, in the video posted on X by @vanguardngrnews. “Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness.” He cited the neglect of other late football icons like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, vowing, “With this kind of example, I will never advise my son to put his feet for this country.”
West’s grief was palpable as he shared the 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. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body, and tears rolled down my cheeks.” His speech, delivered at Rufai’s service of songs, resonated widely, with @NaijaGist tweeting, “Taribo West’s pain is ours. Nigeria failed Rufai’s family. #JusticeForRufai,” and @EagleEyeNG posting, “NFF and Lagos Govt shamed by Taribo’s truth. Heroes deserve better! #DodoMayana.”
However, a counter-narrative emerged from former Super Eagles star Waidi Akanni, who told Legit.ng that the Lagos State Government provided ₦15 million to Rufai’s family, alongside donations from the Lagos State Football Association and others. Akanni’s claim has been met with skepticism, with @TruthSeekerNG tweeting, “Where’s the proof of this ₦15M? Politicians love propaganda. #RufaiNeglect.” The NFF, via spokesperson Ademola Olajire, acknowledged Rufai’s death but has not responded to West’s allegations, per TheCable.
The controversy has amplified calls for systemic reforms in how Nigeria honors its sports legends. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, speaking to Sahara Reporters, urged the creation of a welfare fund for retired athletes, citing Rufai’s case as a “national embarrassment.” Public sentiment on X reflects frustration, with @meekeejo writing, “Neglecting Keshi, Yekini, now Rufai? Nigeria doesn’t value its heroes. #FixIt.”
