Speaking at Rufai’s burial in a video shared by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star expressed deep frustration at what he called the consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to honour football legends after their death.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association, yet they leave everything for the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing worth putting your life on the line for in this country,” West lamented.
“My mother passed on — I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands — I never shed tears. But when Rufai passed, I had goose pimples all over my body, and tears rolled down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
The former defender also recalled how other football icons such as Yisa Sofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, and Rashidi Yekini were treated after their passing, insisting that the pattern of neglect is why he would never encourage his own son to return to Nigeria.
“Could you imagine that Rufai’s family had to beg within our groups just to raise money? That is madness,” he added angrily.
Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both tournaments. He also starred at multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, winning silver in 1984 and 1988 before lifting the trophy with Nigeria in 1994.
The late goalkeeper made his international debut in December 1981 and went on to represent Nigeria for over 14 years, playing club football in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Peter Rufai died on July 3, 2024, at the age of 61 in a Lagos hospital after reportedly battling a long-term illness.
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