Shameful Neglect" Taribo West Laments Treatment of Late Football Heroes, Won't Advise Son to Play for Nigeria

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has

criticised the Nigerian government and football authorities for neglecting the country’s football heroes, citing the fact that Peter Rufai's family had to beg for funds to give the former goalkeeper a proper burial.

 West expressed anger over the burial of legendary ex-goalkeeper Peter Rufai, which took place on Friday, August 22. The anger stems from the treatment Rufai received while he was alive.

 Taribo West stated that he would not advise his son to play for Nigeria.

"In my opinion, it's disheartening that Lagos State and the Nigeria Football Association left the bulk of the responsibility on the family. I felt in my spirit that there's nothing to give one's life for," he said.

 The sports legend, revealed that when his parents passed away, he didn't cry, but when Rufai died, he had goosebumps on his body.

 "What kind of nation is this? With the example they've shown with Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, and Rashidi Yekini, I will never advise my son to set foot in this country," Taribo West stated.

He questioned whether Nigeria has a football federation or association in Lagos State, saying, "This hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way, and his family? Can you imagine the family crying just to solicit money within our group? That's madness."

 However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has responded to Taribo West's allegations, stating that they provided financial support to Peter Rufai's family, as well as to the family of another late football legend, Christian Chukwu