Dare Babalola
Taribo West, a former Super Eagles defender, has expressed outrage over the alleged neglect of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
West slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning Rufai’s family, particularly in handling the burial arrangements.
West, at the burial of his late colleague on Friday lamented the neglect of Nigerian football heroes after their death, citing examples like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha. He described it as “madness” that Rufai’s family struggled to fund his burial, with some even soliciting money online.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.
“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 every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?” he said
West expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating he would never advise his son to play for Nigeria or even visit the country due to the way ex-players are treated.
He shed tears and had goosebumps upon learning of Rufai’s passing, showing his respect and admiration for the late goalkeeper.
