Criticism has continued to trail the lackadaisical approach of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, over the death of of former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popular as ‘Dodo Mayana’.

 

Rufai was laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos by members of his family, colleagues and friends, amid tears, as it flowed freely.

 

He died barely two months ago, as the legendary Goal Stopper was pronounced dead by medical expert in Lagos State.

 

The late 61-Year Old 1994 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Winner lost the battle to death after a prolonged illness, throwing the Football fraternity into mourning.

 

The Goal Tender was described by colleagues and friends as an upright man whose absence would be greatly missed.

 

His colleagues has slammed and lambasted the Federal and Lagos State Government as well as the NFF for not sponsoring the burial rites of the Goalkeeper, described as One of the ever best produced in the continent.

 

Taribo West, former Super Eagles defender, had expressed his displeasure over the development, disclosing that he won’t advise his Son to play for Nigeria.

 

He lamented the neglect by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government, the Lagos State Government and the nation’s Football body neglect of such a passionate, exemplary, disciplined and devoted Player that gave his all to the nation during his playing days.

 

“What kind of nation is this? With the type of example that they have shown with Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country,”

 

The ex-defender accused football authorities of doing little to support Rufai’s family following the death of the Goalkeeper, who was Nigeria’s first choice at the 1994 World Cup.

 

“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Federation. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life on the line for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.

 

“My Mother passed on. I never shed tears. My Father passed on in my hands. I never shed tears,” he said.

 

“When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?

 

“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, has to be treated this way, and his family.

 

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he said angrily before abandoning the interview.

 

Taiwo Afinnih, a former Stationary Stores of Lagos player, described the deceased Goalkeeper as a gentleman who never get involve in any argument with colleagues.

 

Afinnih, who attended same secondary school with Rufai, said that scoring against the former Goalkeeper was the dream of every young footballer considering that he was hard to beat in the goal post as a teenager, he prayed for the repose of his soul.