Taribo West: “I’ll Never Advise My Son to Play for Nigeria” – Emotional Outburst at Peter Rufai’s Funeral Sparks National Outcry
Taribo West: “I’ll Never Advise My Son to Play for Nigeria” – Emotional Outburst at Peter Rufai’s Funeral Sparks National Outcry
TEC News| 23rd August, 2025.
Former Nigerian international football player and now Pastor, Taribo West has delivered a heart-wrenching message that has shaken the nation and ignited urgent conversations about the welfare of retired athletes in Nigeria at the funeral of late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai.
Overcome with emotion, Taribo West openly rebuked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for what he described as “neglect and abandonment” of Rufai’s family at a time when support was most needed.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. With examples like this, how can I advise my son to play for this country?” — Taribo West
The legendary defender, remembered for his fiery passion on the pitch, broke down in tears as he recalled how the deaths of past Super Eagles icons—Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha—were similarly marked by neglect.
West’s emotional declaration that he would never encourage his own son to wear the Nigerian jersey has struck a deep chord among football fans and ordinary citizens alike. Clips of his lament have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread anger and calls for systemic change.
The Nigeria Football Federation has since countered the criticism, insisting that financial support was provided for Rufai’s burial as well as for that of Christian Chukwu, with top officials representing the body at the funeral. However, the NFF’s assurances have done little to calm the growing debate over the broader neglect of Nigeria’s sports heroes after retirement.
As some Nigerians have expressed, Taribo West’s outburst is more than an emotional reaction—it is a reflection of decades of poor structures for athlete welfare in Nigeria. Despite global recognition and national service, many former footballers live in hardship, with no pensions, no healthcare, and no systematic support from the institutions they once glorified.
Some of the flaws have been said to include lack of Welfare Scheme but Retired players left vulnerable and abandoned. Also Poor Healthcare Access but Ex-internationals struggle with medical bills and lack of Memorial Support but Families bears the burden of burials.
The fear of well-meaning Nigerians include Future Implications where younger generations lose motivation to serve their beloved country.
Millions of Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government, the NFF, and State Governments to act decisively to rescue the situation.
Peter Rufai’s passing has once again exposed a painful reality—Nigeria celebrates its heroes in their prime but often abandons them in retirement.
In the views of many, Taribo West’s emotional cry is not just about Rufai; it is a warning that the nation risks losing the loyalty and patriotism of future generations if sacrifices continue to be repaid with neglect.
The action needed is that Nigeria must rise to honor its heroes—not only in words, but in lasting action.
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