Sometimes, there are topics that are highly sensitive, and people always often shy away from discussing them due to the potentials of the topic or subject matter for backlash.
In our Country, almost every issue is politicised and quickly turned into a “WE Versus THEM” situation.
However., those who know me very well and follow me closely on all my social media handles and platforms know that I am not someone who shy away from speaking my mind, no matter whose ox is gored.
I don’t pander to political correctness. I speak only after critically analysing an issue, and I take a position I believe is fair and justifiable.
Now, to the contentious matter at hand. Taribo West’s emotional outburst during the funeral of his Late Former Colleague, Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper Peter Rufai (aka Dodo Mayana), was completely out of place and unnecessary.
A Very Big Jab
Taribo West had said at Peter Rufai’s funeral that because of the way and manner that Peter Rufai was treated by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Lagos State Football Association (LAFA) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, when he was sick, when he finally died and during his burial, he would NEVER allow any of his Children to play for Nigeria.
This is a very big jab, incase he do not know.
If Taribo West does not want any of his Children to play for Nigeria., that’s his business and that’s his choice! He is free to take his Children to any Country he prefers!
But., to stage an emotional scene at the funeral of a National Football Legend was not only uncalled for—it was immature and puerile.
Let’s be clear: nobody asked Taribo West or any of his old teammates to foot the bills for Peter Rufai’s funeral. Rufai was neither a poor man nor a pauper when he died.
He was one of the few ex-footballers who did not mismanage their wealth, investments, fortunes and finances after retirement.
A Modest Life
He lived modestly, remained active in the game as a pundit, and had just finished writing his autobiography, which he was planning to launch before he fell ill and passed away.
In fact, according to Sports Journalist and Editor, Mumini Alao., plans are underway to launch the book posthumously.
If some teammates chose to reach out and contribute towards the funeral, it wasn’t because the family couldn’t afford it—it was simply a symbolic gesture.
If Taribo didn’t have money to contribute, he could have said so.
But assuming that his teammates were footing the entire funeral bill is a gross misjudgement on his part. Again., it is important to note, know and realise here that when someone dies., it is IMPOSSIBLE for his next of kin or family to access his bank accounts.
It takes a long process.
This might have happened in Peter Rufai’s case because he was buried some few weeks after his death
Also, I have it on good authority that the Lagos State Government contributed significantly to the funeral. So did the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Sports Commission.
I know the exact amounts contributed, but that’s not the focus of this article.
Unnecessary Lamentation
Therefore, all the crying, wailing and lamentations by Taribo West was completely unnecessary.
Most importantly, even if the Government had given nothing, the late Peter Rufai came from a financially-stable royal family in the Idimu area of Lagos State.
They have the means to bury their Son without appealing for help.
Peter Rufai, in his lifetime, hated the idea of begging. When he was ill, he didn’t tell anyone.
Even when close friends learned of his illness and wanted to solicit for funds for him, he stopped them.
He paid his medical bills quietly and died a dignified man.
That’s why Taribo’s public drama at his funeral was not only inappropriate—it was embarrassing.
If Taribo West is broke, he should say so. But he should not use the burial of a proud and dignified man as a platform to blame Nigeria for his financial mess. For goodness’ sake, Nigeria owes him nothing!!!
Let’s face the facts: from the 1993 generation of Super Eagles—which was the first group to start earning good money from European clubs—up to the current squad, no one should be broke after retirement if they managed their finances well, prudently and wisely.
Taribo West played for top European clubs like Auxerre and Inter Milan, earning substantial wages. If today he is struggling financially, that is on him—not Nigeria. Between 1997 and 1999, he played at Inter Milan alongside:
Ronaldo (Brazilian striker, “O Fenômeno”)
Christian Vieri (Italian striker)
Iván Córdoba (Colombian defender)
Álvaro Recoba (Uruguayan forward)
Diego Simeone (Argentine midfielder)
All of these players transitioned successfully after retirement:
Ronaldo is now the owner and President of Spanish Club, Real Valladolid and previously owned Cruzeiro in Brazil. He’s currently planning to run for the Presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Investing Wisely
Christian Vieri went into media, launching “Bobo TV” on Twitch and working as a pundit for DAZN and BeIN Sports. He co-founded a clothing label (“Sweet Years”), created a beer brand, produced music, and hosts charitable events like the Bobo Summer Cup.
Iván Córdoba served as Inter Milan’s Team Manager from 2012 to 2014 and later worked as a management advisor at Venezia (2021–2024).
Diego Simeone became a world-class Manager, leading Atlético Madrid since 2011 to multiple titles including La Liga and the Europa League.
These men invested wisely, diversified their portfolios, and created sustainable careers beyond football because they understood that a football career is short-lived and ephemeral. They planned for life after retirement.
Across Europe and South America, have you ever heard of any Government taking care of its retired footballers? John Barnes of England is reportedly broke today, yet, has never blamed the UK Government. He was the first Black Captain of England, but he owns his reality. Nobody told him to mismanage his wealth. And he is not crying or wailing why England is not bailing him out.
Paul Gascoigne squandered his fortune on alcohol and gambling. The UK Government isn’t footing his bills. He lives humbly now—that’s life. The point is: it’s not just in Africa or Nigeria that some Footballers have ruined their post-playing careers. But none of them are cursing their Countries for not coming to their aids.
Entitlement Mentality
The entitlement mentality some of our ex-footballers carry is awful, appalling, obnoxious, repugnant, disgusting and irritating. Nigeria owes you nothing! You chose this career path. You knew football wouldn’t last forever.
If you didn’t invest wisely or develop alternative skills when you were earning millions, don’t turn around to blame your Country.
Wearing the National colours is an honour, not a lifelong entitlement to be on the Government’s payroll. Footballers in Europe—where over 95% of Nigerian professionals ply their trades—don’t hold their Countries to ransom after retirement. Why should it be different here?
Even winning trophies and laurels for the Country doesn’t guarantee monetary rewards.
That’s at the discretion of whoever is President at the time.
President Olusegun Obasanjo offered nothing—not even a gift—beyond a handshake.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is offering cash and gifts. The next President might not. The real benefit of playing for the National team is the career boost it gives you—not a pension plan.
If you don’t want to play for Nigeria, that’s your loss. But stop the blackmail.
Now., let’s quickly take a cursory look at some of the careers of Taribo West’s Former Colleagues in the National Team, after they retired from active Soccer.
It is interesting to know that some of Taribo West’s Former Super Eagles’ Colleagues and team mates are doing well after their retirement from active Soccer.
And I sincerely do not think that they can blame the Government for anything! Not at all.
Former Super Eagles of Nigeria Captain and Midfield Maestro, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha is a Soccer Pundit with South Africa-owned Multichoice (DStv).
A Retirement Plan
He earns good money analysing Soccer Matches for the South African Sports Company. Okocha also owns a flourishing night club in the high-brow Victoria Island area of Lagos.
Okocha was also the Former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association. ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha also have several endorsement deals with some multi-national Companies in Nigeria.
He is also a brand ambassador to some Companies. All these deals and endorsements run into Millions of Naira for him every month.
Kanu Nwankwo owns Hadley Suites (a Four-Star Hotel) located in the high-brow Victoria Island area of Lagos State.
He cannot be broke! He also owns an International Shop/Studio on Allen Avenue, in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos. Long before he retired from Soccer., he had established the ‘KANU HEART FOUNDATION’ (KHF)., an Internationally-recognised Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that helps people with Heart Diseases Worldwide.
The Foundation receives funds, support, helps, aids, financial assistance, etc from People, Companies and Organisations worldwide.
Kanu Nwankwo is also the Current Chairman of Eyimba Football Club of Aba. He cannot be broke with all these tick investments.
Victor Ikpeba is another good example.
Also, he is a Soccer Pundit with DStv. He earns money talking Soccer on DStv.
He is also a Brand Ambassador to some Companies here in Nigeria. This fetches him a lot of money too.
Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Eguavoen, went into Coaching, Football Administration and Football Management after retiring from active Soccer.
The Ministerial Work
He is doing well. He is currently the Head of the Technical Department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Other Former Super Eagles of Nigeria Stars like Tijani Babangida, Sunday Oliseh, Mutiu Adepoju, Julius Aghahowa, John Obi Mikel, Obafemi Martins, Joseph Yobo, etc are also doing well too after their retirement from active Soccer.
Now, let’s come back to the crux of the matter, Taribo West.
What did Taribo West ventured into after retiring from active Soccer? I have it on good authority that Taribo West ventured into full-time Ministerial (Pastoral) work after his retirement from Football. He established a Church called: ‘SHELTER IN THE STORM MINISTRY’.
In April 2021., ‘Pastor’ Taribo West personally invited me to his Church for a Sunday Service Worship. I honoured his invitation. When I got there., I was shocked that he uses a part of his Opebi-Ikeja House for his Church Services. I didn’t expect this from a world-famous Soccer Super Star!
As that was not enough., the Church did not have up to 20 Members! I was surprised! Anyone relying on this type of venture as a ‘fall-back’ investment after retirement, may turn out to be a Cynic! Just like Taribo West has become!!!
A Wake-up Call
This is a wake-up call to all current athletes, especially those in sports with short career spans.
Invest your earnings. Prepare for the future. Learn a new skill. Get an education—formal or informal.
Build a career around your Sport as a Coach, analyst, pundit, administrator, or mentor. There are endless opportunities to remain relevant and financially stable.
Gary Lineker, for example, retired from Football and moved into television. He became one of the BBC’s highest-paid talents, hosting Match of the Day for 26 years until he retired in 2025.
Also Read: Nigeria World Cup: Road Not Yet Closed – Possible Route To 2026 FIFA World Cup
Between 2016 and 2020, he earned £1.75–£1.76 million annually. Even after a pay cut, he earned around £1.35 million until his final year—2024/25—still topping the BBC’s pay list.
So, Taribo, enough of the drama! Smell the coffee. Nigeria owes you nothing!!! Drop the entitlement mentality. God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria. God bless Nigerian Football.
May God bless Nigerian Football Players, Coaches and Administrators. God bless the Federal Government of Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.
-David Olalekan Olanrewaju is the Editor, Our Moment Newspaper. He can be reached via: Email: ourmomentnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 08034366056, 08024254533.
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