Taribo West, expert blast NFF, FG for neglecting late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai with poor funeral recognition

Taribo West and a football expert have blasted the NFF and Federal Government for failing to properly honour late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai at his funeral, calling it a national shame.

Former Super Eagles star Taribo West has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government, condemning their failure to properly honour late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai at his funeral, a situation he described as madness.

West, visibly emotional in a video shared on social media by journalist Olawale Adigun via News Central, revealed how deeply hurt he was by the lack of support from Nigerian football authorities and government agencies during the funeral rites of Rufai, who passed away on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

Rufai, affectionately known as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ was a towering figure in Nigerian football and a member of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad. His death left a huge void in the nation’s football family.

Speaking as a former teammate and close friend, West expressed his pain and the burden carried by Rufai’s family. 

“For me, it is disheartening that you have Lagos State, the NFF, they dropped the bulk on the family,” West 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.”

He continued, his voice thick with emotion, “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?” 

“With this kind of example they have shown in Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, 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 this hero, football evangelist, has to be treated this way? Could you imagine the family would be crying just to solicit money within our group? That’s madness.”

Joining West in condemning the Nigeran football authorities was football expert Adigun, who stated bluntly, “Shame on the NFF, Shame on the FG. Celebrated the Super Falcons, D'Tigress to score cheap points but can’t celebrate a Legend!!!”

The heartfelt outcry from West and Adigun has reignited calls within the Nigerian football community for greater respect and recognition of the country’s football heroes, demanding accountability from those entrusted with preserving the legacy of legends like Peter Rufai.