Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai. Speaking emotionally at Rufai’s burial, West lamented that the responsibility of caring for the ex-goalkeeper’s family had been left to individuals rather than the authorities.

He described the neglect of Nigerian football heroes after their deaths as shameful, recalling similar treatment meted out to legends like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha. West said the situation was so discouraging that he would never advise his own children to play for Nigeria.

Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 AFCON victory and the country’s maiden World Cup appearance the same year. He died in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy celebrated on the pitch but, according to West, dishonoured off it.