Nigerian Football Legend Taribo West Laments Treatment of Late Peter Rufai in Video Titled "What Kind of Nation Is This?"
During Rufai’s burial ceremony, captured in a video shared by News Central on Friday, former Inter Milan star Taribo West voiced frustration over the alleged abandonment of Nigerian football legends once they pass away.

Taribo West

Ex-Super Eagles defender Taribo West publicly condemned both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Government for what he claimed was their failure to support the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

In footage aired by News Central during Rufai’s burial, the former football star lamented the disregard shown toward Nigerian sports icons after their careers end.



“It’s disgraceful that Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Association leave everything to the family. I couldn’t help but question why anyone would dedicate their life to this cause. I had to hold myself back to avoid losing control. The pain is unbearable.

“I didn’t cry when my parents died, but when Rufai passed, I was overcome with emotion. Every time I speak about it, tears flow. What kind of country treats its heroes like this?” he asked.

Recalling how other legends like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha faced similar neglect, West stressed that such treatment deterred him from encouraging his own children to pursue football for Nigeria.

“With examples like this, I’d never tell my son to represent this country. Where is the Football Federation? Where is the Lagos State support? How can a hero, a true footballer, be treated like this?

“Can you imagine the family having to beg for financial help? It’s disgraceful. I need to walk away before I say too much,” he added.

Rufai, famously known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper during their 1994 AFCON victory and their first FIFA World Cup appearance the same year.

He died in July 2025.