A former defender for the Super Eagles, Taribo West, criticized the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Government for allegedly neglecting the family of the late goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
During Rufai’s funeral, as captured in a video shared by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan player voiced his disappointment regarding what he termed the disregard for Nigerian football legends after their passing.
”It’s truly disheartening that Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Association have left the family to fend for themselves. I felt deep down that there is no reason to dedicate your life to this. That’s why I say I need to step back to avoid imploding. It’s a time of mourning.
”I lost my mother and didn’t shed a tear. My father died in my arms, and I remained dry-eyed. But when Rufai passed, I felt chills all over. And as I spoke to each person, tears streamed down my face. What kind of nation are we?” he expressed.
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The former international athlete reminisced about similar experiences with late football legends like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, emphasizing that the treatment of former players has dissuaded him from encouraging his children to pursue football as a career in the country.
”Given this kind of example, I would never recommend that my son invest his efforts in this country. Send me away! Do we even have a Football Federation or a Football Association in Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football ambassador, is treated in such a manner by his own family.
”Can you believe the family has to beg within our circles for financial help? That is insanity. Please, let me be. I don’t want to express my feelings anymore,” he concluded.
