Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON‑winning goalkeeper and two‑time World Cup hero, passed away in Lagos on July 3, aged 61.
Rufai started for Nigeria in the 90s and was in goal during the victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), former and current Super Eagles players, and many well-wishers, have paid their tributes to the fallen hero.
Super Eagles legend Taribo West has expressed displeasure over how late Peter Rufai is treated.
In a viral video on X, the Inter Milan legend said the Nigeria Football Federation and Lagos State Government abandoned Rufai despite his sacrifice for the nation.
The former Auxerre star explained that he shed tears after learning of Peter Rufai's death, according to Complete Sports. He said: "I am just happy to be here; I can see some of my old contemporaries. I am here to share the burden and pains with the family that has rested on their shoulders.
"For me it is disheartening that we have Lagos State, the Nigeria Football Association and dropped the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit, there is nothing to put my life for; that is why I had to shift back so that I will not implode. It is grieving.
"My mother passed on, I never shed tears, my father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears but when Rufai passed on I had goosepimples on my body and every individual I am speaking too there was tears rolling from my eyes."
Olympic gold medallist Taribo West said the family of Peter Rufai resorted to begging money online to fund Rufai's burial arrangements.
The former AC Milan star vowed that his son would never represent the country following the way it treated ex-internationals.
The UEFA Cup winner said Super Eagles legends who passed away have been treated without any honour.
He said: "Which kind of nation is this? With this kind of example they have shown in Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi (blessed memory), Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country.
"Do we have a football federation or football association in this state that this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist has to be treated this way and his family. "Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our group to ask for money. That is madness for me."
Taribo West talking at the burial of Peter Rufai & how the FG ignores legends when they needed them.
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