The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) has cleared the air over the claims made by former Super Eagles player Taribo West.
Taribo West blasted the NFF at Peter Rufai’s burial ceremony in a video posted by News Central on Friday, August 22, 2025. The former defender expressed disappointment over what he described as the neglect of Nigerian football heroes after their death.
He said,
“It is 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?”
West also said, out of annoyance, that he will never advise his son to play for Nigeria.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family. Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart.”
The NFF confirmed that they contributed to the final burial rites of every Super Eagles player who has passed in the past which includes Taribo West.
“The Nigerian Football Federation stood in solidarity of two of our legends as they were laid to rest. In support to the burial rites of Christian Chukwu, the NFF provided financial assistance to the families and was represented by Executive Committee member Chief George Aluo, Barrister Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikulue Iloenyosi. Similarly, at the funeral mass of Peter Rufai in Lagos, the NFF also offered financial support to his family. The delegation included Executive Committee member Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr Ademola Olajire. We honour their service, celebrate their legacy, and extend their continued support to their family.”
Thr former first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the country’s debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year. He passed away in July 2025.
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