The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected allegations by former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, that it abandoned the families of late football greats Peter Rufai and Christian Chukwu, insisting it provided both moral and financial support during their burials.
West, speaking emotionally at Rufai’s funeral in Lagos on Friday, had accused the federation and the Lagos State Government of neglect, claiming the deceased goalkeeper’s family was left to struggle for funds to give him a befitting burial. He went further to declare that he would never allow his son to play for Nigeria, describing the treatment of the late football heroes as “madness.”
Responding swiftly in a statement released on its official X handle, the NFF maintained that it “stood in solidarity” with the bereaved families and honoured the service of the departed icons.
The federation explained that it supported Chukwu’s burial with financial assistance and a delegation led by Executive Committee member, Chief George Aluo, accompanied by Barr. Okey Obi and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi. It added that a separate delegation, comprising Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr. Ademola Olajire, represented the federation at Rufai’s funeral mass in Lagos and also extended financial support to his family.
“The NFF honoured their service, celebrated their legacy, and extended continued support to their families,” the statement partly read.
West, however, maintained that Nigerian footballers who served the nation with distinction had been routinely neglected, citing similar experiences involving the late Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, and Yisa Sofoluwe. Overcome with emotions at Rufai’s funeral, the former defender broke down in tears, lamenting:
“My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father died in my hands, I never shed tears. But when Rufai died, I broke down. For this country to treat him like this, it is madness.”
The episode has reignited debate over the welfare of Nigeria’s sporting heroes, many of whom, despite their service to the nation, reportedly face hardship in retirement and neglect after death.