Nigerian Football Federation Defends Role In Supporting Families Of Late Super Eagles Legends Amid Taribo West’s Criticism

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has spoken out after former Super Eagles defender Taribo West harshly criticized football authorities and the Lagos State Government over the circumstances surrounding the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

Taribo’s emotional outburst, which quickly spread across social media platforms on Friday, alleged that the family of the former national team star was abandoned during a period of grief, forcing them to rely on public donations to conduct his burial rites. He accused both the state government and the federation of neglecting Nigerian football heroes who once brought pride to the country on the global stage.

Responding to these allegations, the NFF issued a statement on X asserting that it had provided financial assistance to the families of both Peter Rufai and another late Nigerian legend, Christian Chukwu. The federation stressed that its presence and support at the funerals of the two icons demonstrated its commitment to honoring those who gave their lives to the game.

According to the federation, the burial rites of Christian Chukwu were supported financially and attended by an official delegation which included Chief George Aluo, Barrister Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi. The NFF explained that its representatives were present to stand in solidarity with the family while celebrating the life and legacy of the former Green Eagles captain.

A similar effort was highlighted regarding the funeral mass of Peter Rufai in Lagos, where the NFF said it not only gave financial support but also sent a delegation made up of Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr. Ademola Olajire. The federation maintained that its actions reflected a consistent tradition of recognizing the sacrifices made by past internationals.

The statement further emphasized that the NFF has always honored the memory of departed football legends and continues to support their families. It urged Nigerians to understand that the federation values the contributions of those who wore the national colors and left indelible marks in the sport.

Despite this clarification, Taribo West’s passionate remarks at Rufai’s burial in Lagos have continued to stir emotions among fans and former teammates. The ex-defender, visibly shaken, declared that he had never cried over the loss of his parents, yet broke down uncontrollably when Rufai passed away. He described Rufai as more than a footballer, calling him a soldier and an evangelist of the game, before condemning the way his family had to struggle to give him a befitting farewell.

Taribo compared Rufai’s plight to what he described as the recurring neglect of other fallen Nigerian football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, and Yisa Sofoluwe. He argued that the repeated pattern of abandonment paints a shameful picture of how the country treats those who once sacrificed everything to bring joy to millions of Nigerians.

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender lamented that such treatment has discouraged him from ever supporting his own son to represent Nigeria in the future. He wondered aloud how a nation could leave the family of a football hero to depend on donations and begged for contributions to carry out a burial. To him, such an approach exposes the poor value placed on national service and sportsmanship.

Videos from the burial showed several former internationals also expressing frustration at the state of Nigerian football administration and the perceived neglect of their colleagues who have passed away. Many of them argued that footballers who dedicated their lives to the sport deserve dignity, respect, and proper recognition both in life and death.

The controversy has now ignited a broader debate on the welfare of retired and late Nigerian footballers. While the NFF insists it provided support, questions remain about the adequacy of such assistance and the mechanisms in place to safeguard the well-being of former players and their families.

Peter Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, having represented the Super Eagles at two FIFA World Cups and numerous continental tournaments. His passing struck a painful chord among football lovers, not just for his on-field heroics but also for the struggles reported during his family’s attempt to give him a dignified farewell.

Christian Chukwu, another giant of Nigerian football, captained the national team to its first African Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later served as a coach. His death, like Rufai’s, renewed conversations about the legacies of national icons and how they should be preserved and celebrated.

The heated back-and-forth between the NFF and Taribo West underscores the wider disconnect between players and administrators that has persisted for years. Many fans are now calling for more structured welfare programs for ex-internationals, while urging the government and football authorities to ensure that the sacrifices of national heroes do not go unrecognized or unrewarded.

Whether the NFF’s defense will quell the criticisms remains uncertain. For now, the burial of Peter Rufai has exposed raw emotions, painful memories, and pressing questions about how Nigeria treats the very individuals who once brought it global recognition through football.