Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has explained why he would never encourage his son to play for Nigeria.
Speaking at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, West criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos State Government for abandoning the family of the former national hero. He said the neglect of ex-players, even after their sacrifices for the country, has left him deeply disappointed.
West recalled how other Nigerian football legends such as Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha were treated in death, stressing that it was shameful that their families had to beg for support.
“It’s painful that Lagos State and the NFF leave everything on the family. When I saw Rufai’s case, I realised there is no reason to put your life down for this country,” West said emotionally. Click to listen to West being interviewed by News Central.
He added that such examples discouraged him from wanting his own children to represent Nigeria. “With this kind of treatment, I will never advise even my son to play for this country. It is heartbreaking,” he declared.
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Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s goalkeeper during the country’s 1994 AFCON triumph and maiden FIFA World Cup appearance. He died in July 2025, and his burial sparked fresh debate over how Nigeria treats its sporting legends.
