- Ex-Super Eagles defender Taribo West said he would never advise his son to play for Nigeria, lamenting the neglect of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
- His remarks drew mixed reactions, with realtor Duru Bond questioning what the NFF owed retired players and media personality JJ Omojuwa noting that players were paid as much as $5,000 per match even 25 years ago.
After the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, ex-defender Taribo West spoke at the funeral, blaming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos State for neglecting old players.
He even said he would never allow his son to play for Nigeria because of the poor treatment of past football stars.
His statement sparked reactions. Realtor Duru Bond disagreed, saying players like Taribo were well paid when they wore the Nigerian jersey. He asked what exactly the football body still owed them after paying salaries and allowances back then.
“Imagine Osimhen, Boniface or even Mikel Obi come tomorrow to blackmail the country for not taking care of them in old age after dem chop life finish in their youth.
Was he paid salaries while he wore the jersey? Or what exactly does the football federation owe him?
And watch out, the same people that will just follow crowd to abuse the govt are the same sheep that condemned the $100k to the female players.
Anywhere belle face.” He said.
Media personality Japhet Omojuwa also reacted, reminding people that players used to earn as much as $5,000 per match over 25 years ago. He said ex-footballers should not always blame Nigeria but also think about how they managed their money during their playing days.
“Any small thing, Nigeria this, Nigeria that, Nigeria this.
Y’all were collecting as much as $5000/match as far back as 25 years ago.” he wrote
The issue has stirred a wider debate on whether Nigeria should create pension plans for retired athletes or if players should simply take responsibility for their finances.
COURTESY: gistlover.com
