The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has defended its actions after former internationals Augustine Eguavoen and Taribo West criticised the treatment of late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai and other football legends.
Rufai, widely known as “Dodo Mayana”, died in July at 61. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and featured at the nation’s maiden FIFA World Cup in the United States later that year.
In a statement, the NFF said it supported the families during both funerals.
“At the funeral mass of Peter Rufai in Lagos, the NFF offered financial support to his family. The delegation included Executive Committee Member Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Dr. Ademola Olajire,” it read.
Nigeria Football Federation statement. Photo Credit: NFF/X
The federation also confirmed support for Christian Chukwu’s burial, providing financial aid and sending Executive Committee members Chief George Aluo, Barr. Okey Obi, and Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.
“We honour their service, celebrate their legacy, and extend our continued support to their families,” the NFF added.
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West, an Olympic gold medallist who also played for AC Milan and Auxerre, said Rufai’s family had been forced to solicit financial help from former players.
“Could you imagine the family crying to our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” he said.
Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles coach and Rufai’s teammate, added:
“Peter Rufai is too big for a name that the government and those in charge won’t just take over this burial. He is a household name. It is so sad.”
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The NFF says its financial and logistical support underlines its commitment to honouring former players and their contributions to Nigerian football.
