Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has strongly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government over their alleged neglect of the family of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

Speaking during Rufai’s service of songs in Lagos on Thursday, August 22, 2025, West accused both bodies of abandoning the family of the iconic shot-stopper, who passed away earlier this month.

“They Let Rufai’s Family Beg for Burial Funds” – West

In his emotional remarks, West expressed outrage that Rufai’s family had to seek public support to raise funds for his burial despite his enormous contributions to Nigerian football.

“Rufai was a legend who gave everything for Nigeria, yet his family had to beg to bury him. This is the same way they treated Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and many others. I swear, I will never allow my son to play for Nigeria,” West said.

Rufai’s Legacy

Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He earned 65 international caps for the Super Eagles and was celebrated for his leadership on and off the pitch.

Despite his achievements, reports of financial struggles in his later years highlighted the long-standing issue of poor welfare and lack of post-career support for Nigerian football legends.

Mixed Reactions from Football Community

While West’s comments drew widespread sympathy, some former teammates offered a different perspective. Waidi Akanni, another ex-Super Eagles player, claimed that Lagos State had provided support to Rufai’s family.

However, West’s fiery outburst has reignited conversations about how Nigeria treats its sporting heroes, with many fans and analysts calling for a structured welfare system for ex-internationals.

Ongoing Debate on Welfare for Legends

The debate over the treatment of Nigerian football legends is not new. Similar concerns were raised following the deaths of stars like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Samuel Okwaraji, whose families also faced financial and emotional struggles after their passing.

West’s passionate intervention has once again spotlighted the urgent need for reform in how Nigeria’s football authorities and government institutions support the men and women who brought glory to the nation.

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Arsenal have secured a dramatic £67.5m transfer for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, outbidding rivals Tottenham in a late twist that bolsters their Premier League title aspirations.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, once released by Arsenal as a teenager, will undergo a medical on Friday after a farewell appearance for Palace, potentially debuting against Leeds United.

This deal, driven by manager Mikel Arteta’s vision for Eze as a versatile playmaker, pushes Arsenal’s summer spending over €300m, amid fan excitement and rival frustration.

This is a developing story. More updates on Eberechi Eze wis as they evolve.

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Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been voted the 2024-25 Men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Announced during a ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday evening, the Egyptian is now the first person to receive the prize for a third time, following his successes in 2017-18 and 2021-22.

Salah topped the polling of his fellow professionals from this year’s six-man shortlist – which included clubmate Alexis Mac Allister – to make it the 10th occasion a Red has claimed the prestigious honour.

The recipient of the 2024-25 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards, the 33-year-old has been recognised again for his incredible output in the previous campaign.

On the way to collecting a second Premier League winner’s medal, Salah produced 34 goals and 23 assists from his 52 appearances in all competitions.

Forty-seven of those goal involvements came in the league as the ever-present forward equalled the competition’s all-time record for that statistic, adding another Golden Boot and Playmaker prize to his individual honours list.

Terry McDermott (1979-80), Sir Kenny Dalglish (1982-83), Ian Rush (1983-84), John Barnes (1987-88), Steven Gerrard (2005-06), Luis Suarez (2013-14) and Virgil van Dijk (2018-19) are the others to have been named Men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year while at Liverpool.

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Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles restored some pride on Monday night with a 2–0 victory over Congo in their final Group D clash at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Dar es Salaam.

The win, however, was not enough to secure qualification as the Eagles finished third with three points, behind Sudan and Senegal, who both advanced with five apiece after their goalless draw in Kampala. Congo ended bottom on two points.

Alimi the Difference Maker

Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi played a starring role, providing the assist for the opener before sealing the win himself deep into stoppage time.

Former NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf, handed his first start of the tournament, broke the deadlock in the 56th minute after reacting quickest to Alimi’s towering header.

Congo’s hopes of a comeback were dashed late on when Charles Atipo was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Alimi. From the resulting free-kick, substitute Sodiq Ismail delivered a pinpoint cross that Alimi powered home with a diving header to make it 2–0.

Harcourt’s Debut

Teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt enjoyed a dream senior debut, rarely troubled throughout the contest as Nigeria dominated proceedings and finally found their cutting edge after two blunt outings.

While the victory offered some relief after a disappointing campaign, Nigeria’s early elimination highlights shortcomings in preparation and execution.

Final Group D Standings

• Sudan – 5 pts (+4 GD)
• Senegal – 5 pts (+1 GD)
• Nigeria – 3 pts (–3 GD)
• Congo – 2 pts (–2 GD)

Nigeria XI: Harcourt – Sodiq, Taiwo, Manyo, Nduka (c) – Tochukwu, Adedayo, Akanni (Haruna Hadi 90), Oyowah – Yusuf, Alimi (Obaje 90)

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As D’Tigers outclass Cameroon to book quarter-final ticket

Nigeria’s D’Tigers wrapped up their Group D campaign at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in Luanda with a commanding 99-90 victory over Cameroon on Sunday, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record and securing direct qualification to the quarterfinals.

While the win highlighted Nigeria’s attacking depth, veteran forward Stan Okoye pointed out that improvements are needed if the team is to go all the way.

“We were a little disappointed because we were a little flat in the end. We have to learn to close out games and not let teams come back like that. It was really great to knock down shots, but we could have done better on defense and taken better care with the turnovers,” Okoye admitted.

Six D’Tigers scored in double digits, underlining the team’s depth. Josh Okogie led with 16 points, followed by Caleb Agada (15), Okoye (14), Christian Mekowulu and Ike Nwamu (12 each), and Martins Igbannu (10).

For Cameroon, Fabien Ateba (19 points) and Yves Missi (18) stood out, while Jeremiah Hill scored 16 before exiting with a knee injury.

After edging the first quarter 28-25, Nigeria pulled away in the second, outscoring Cameroon 30-16. Agada’s 10 points and Mekowulu’s hot shooting from deep gave the D’Tigers a comfortable lead that ballooned to 34 points before Cameroon mounted a late fightback.

Okogie and Okoye combined for 30 points in the must-win clash. Okoye, coming off the bench, was clinical from long range, making all four of his three-point attempts and adding seven rebounds.

Nigeria’s 15 made three-pointers were the highest by any team in the tournament so far. That shooting power, coupled with a strong defensive effort, proved decisive against Cameroon.

Nigeria’s win not only extended their dominance over Cameroon at AfroBasket but also set them up strongly for the knockout rounds. With Okoye’s call for sharper defense and game management, the D’Tigers will now aim to carry their momentum into the quarterfinals as title contenders.

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