Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly neglecting the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana.
The ex-Inter Milan star made the remarks during Rufai’s burial on Friday, expressing disappointment at what he described as the abandonment of Nigeria’s football heroes after their passing.
“What Kind of Nation is This?” — Taribo West Questions Authorities
Speaking in a video shared by News Central, Taribo West lamented the lack of institutional support for fallen football legends.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association, and yet they drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for… When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. Tears rolled down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
West revealed that while he never shed tears when his parents died, Rufai’s death shook him deeply because of the lack of honor given to the late goalkeeper.
Pattern of Neglect for Nigerian Football Icons
The former international recalled similar neglect faced by other late football greats, including Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
He warned that the treatment of past players has discouraged him from urging his children to play for Nigeria.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to play for this country. Do we really have a Football Federation in Lagos State? Imagine Rufai’s family begging within groups to raise money. That is madness,” he said.
Who Was Peter Rufai?
Peter Rufai, nicknamed Dodo Mayana, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
- He was the first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
- He also played a key role in Nigeria’s debut FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994.
- Rufai passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy as one of Africa’s finest shot-stoppers.
Growing Calls for Better Welfare of Ex-Nigerian Footballers
Taribo West’s outburst highlights the recurring debate on the welfare of Nigerian athletes after retirement. Many sports fans and analysts argue that the NFF and state governments must establish structured welfare policies for former players who brought glory to the nation.
