Former Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has criticised the Nigerian government for what he described as a consistent neglect of football icons who gave their all to the nation during their lifetime.
Eguavoen, a former national team captain and coach, lamented that many sportsmen and women who shed their blood and sweat on the global stage for Nigeria are often forgotten once their active years are over.
Speaking with deep emotion during the funeral rites of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Eguavoen lamented that the country has failed to honour its sporting heroes as they deserve.
Eguavoen said Rufai was more than just a footballer, describing him as a household name and one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers whose contributions to the game remain unforgettable.
He compared Rufai’s treatment to that of other late football greats, including Stephen Keshi, who, according to him, were also not properly celebrated at the end of their lives.
The ex-international footballer said it was the same thing when Keshi was buried many years ago.
Eguavoen recalled moments from his own playing career to highlight the sacrifices made by footballers.
He recounted how he sustained a serious injury during the Confederations Cup match against Argentina, when a collision with Ariel Ortega left him bloodied and nearly blinded.
The former Super Eagles coach stressed that while military personnel are often honoured for carrying guns in defence of the nation, sportsmen and women who shed blood and sweat for Nigeria on the global stage are left unrecognised.
Eguavoen called for a cultural and institutional shift in the way Nigeria treats its athletes, insisting that deliberate structures should be put in place to honour and care for football icons, both in life and death.
He stated, "I don't think we've done enough, I don't care what anybody's gonna say about it. The difference between sportsmen and women and military people is the gun.
"And you see this mark here, I don't know if you can see the mark here is from Ortega during Confederation Cup between Nigeria and Argentina, boom, I thought I was blind, there was blood all over my face, but thank God it didn't. I could have been blind.
"It was also the same attitude when the late Keshi was buried many years ago. Not to talk about late Okafor and others. It is what it is.
"I think it is time for us to find a way now, a whole lot of people have gone, who put their lives on the line to represent Nigeria."
"Because I think Peter Rufai is too big for a name, that the government, the people in charge won't just come and take over this burial. Peter Rufai is a name, a household name, big name. It's so sad,” he said.
"I'm sorry to speak like this, but it’s the way I'm feeling right now. Maybe because of emotion, but I don't think we've done enough," Eguavoen added.
Rufai, who died in July, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, having represented the country at two World Cups and numerous African Cup of Nations tournaments.
Taribo West’s Criticism
Eguavoen’s remarks came in the wake of criticism from former Super Eagles defender Taribo West, who condemned the Nigerian government and football authorities for abandoning Rufai during his burial.
NFF Reacts To Allegations
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), however, has defended its role, stating that it provided financial support to the families of Rufai and another late football legend, Christian Chukwu.
In a statement shared on X, the federation emphasised that it “stood in solidarity” with the families of the two icons.
“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 circular read.
The federation further stated that it honoured their “service, celebrated their legacy, and extended continued support to their families.”
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