Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, has expressed deep disappointment over the treatment of Nigeria’s football legends.
This comes in the wake of the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, passed away on July 3 and will be laid to rest later today in Festac Town, Lagos.
His death has reignited debate on how Nigeria treats its former football icons, many of whom struggle with neglect after retirement despite their service to the country.
Speaking emotionally at Rufai’s service of songs, Eguavoen admitted that the country has failed to honour and support its ex-internationals.
He described Rufai as a national hero whose contributions to Nigerian football should have commanded greater recognition.
“I don’t think we’ve done enough, honestly speaking. I don’t care what anybody thinks of me right now, but Peter Rufai is too big a name for the government and those in charge not to take responsibility for his burial,” Eguavoen said.
“It’s so sad. Maybe I’m speaking out of emotions, but this is how I feel. Peter Rufai is a legend who deserves to be immortalized.”
Rufai, a two-time FIFA World Cup goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, was regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest shot-stoppers.
His passing has left many in the football community calling for stronger welfare structures and lasting legacies for the country’s heroes.
Eguavoen urged both government and football authorities to take greater responsibility in ensuring that players who brought glory to the nation are celebrated and supported, even in retirement.
