• Says, “NFF didn’t give Rufai’s family money due despite serving Nigeria”
*NFF replies; ” It’s a lie. We supported the family…”
By Abiola Olawale
A former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are at loggerheads over the alleged neglect of late Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
This comes as Taribo slammed the NFF for allegedly not standing by the family of Rufai during their time of need.
Speaking at Rufai’s service of songs in Lagos at the weekend, Taribo expressed frustration over what he described as the lack of support for the family of the 1994 AFCON-winning goalkeeper, who passed away on July 3 at age 61 after a prolonged illness.
Taribo, a former Inter Milan star and Olympic gold medalist, was visibly emotional as he recounted how Rufai’s family was left to solicit funds within private groups to cover burial expenses, a situation he described as “madness.”
Buttressing his allegations of neglect of Rufai’s burial, Taribo said the same thing was done to icons like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
He said: “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, tears were rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
“With this kind of example they have shown in (Yisa) Sofoule, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliya, and Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), 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 and his family too?
“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.”
However, the NFF has debunked allegations of neglecting Rufai’s family.
The Nigerian sports agency also denied reports of neglecting the funeral of Christian Chukwu.
The NFF claimed that it has sent contributions to honor the legacies of these iconic players.
The NFF explained that the contributions included financial aid and high-powered delegations at both funerals, with Chief George Aluo representing NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau at Chukwu’s rites.
The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Football Federation stood in solidarity with two of our legends as they were laid to rest.
“In support of the burial rites of Christian Chukwu, the NFF provided financial assistance to his family, and was represented by Executive Committee Member Chief George Aluo, Barr. Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.
“Similarly, at Peter Rufai’s burial mass 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 our continued support to their families.”
