The Nigeria Football Federation has refuted claims of neglecting late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai during his burial, insisting that it provided financial support to his family.
In a statement released on X, the federation said it “stood in solidarity” with the families of Rufai and another Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu.
“In support of the burial rites of Christian Chukwu, the NFF provided financial assistance to his family, and was represented by Executive Committee Member Chief George Aluo, Barr. Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.
“Similarly, at the funeral mass of Peter Rufai in Lagos, the NFF also offered financial support to his family. The delegation included Executive Committee Member Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr. Ademola Olajire,” the statement read.
The NFF added that it honoured the “service, celebrated the legacy, and extended continued support” to the families of both icons.
This response followed the circulation of a viral video in which former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, condemned the football authorities and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning Rufai’s family, leaving them to struggle for burial funds.
Taribo, who was visibly emotional at the burial, lamented that Nigeria has repeatedly failed its football heroes and vowed never to allow his son to play for the country.
“I’m just happy to be here, I can see some of my old contemporaries to be here in this incredible day. I just share the burden and pains of the family, that rest upon their shoulders.
“For me, it is disheartening that you have Lagos State, Nigerian Football Association, they dropped the buck on the family.
“I felt in my spirit that (it is) nothing to put your life for, that’s why I have to shift back so that I will not implode. 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 goose pimples on my body, and every individual I’m speaking to, there was, you know, tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?
“With this kind of example they have shown in a shameful way, in (Yisa) Sofoluwe, Steven Keshi blessed memory, Thompson Oliha blessed memory, Rashidi Yakini.
“I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country, sell me out. Do we have a football federation or do we have a football association in this Lagos State?”
“That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist had to be treated this way and his family. Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit even within our group to ask for money, that’s madness. Please let me go, I don’t want to pour my heart.”