How Odili, Alamieseigha Splashed Dollars on Super Eagles Players During 2002 WCQ
- Taribo West lambasted the federal government and the Nigeria Football Federation for neglecting the funeral of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai
- The former Nigerian player talked about the mistreatment of ex-internationals like Rashidi Yekini and Stephen Keshi, and declared he would never encourage his son to represent Nigeria
- His comments have sparked mixed reactions as fans recall how several state governments splashed cash on the national team in the past
Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has stirred controversy over the neglect of Nigerian football legends, after blasting the government for failing to support Peter Rufai's funeral.
The incredible goalkeeper Rufai passed away on July 3 and was buried on August 22, in the presence of family members, ex-internationals and loved ones.
A furious Taribo West decried the way everything went during the funeral, saying the same treatment was meted out to their previous colleagues, who had passed on.
Source: Getty Images
He particularly called out the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Government, saying Rufai's family members were soliciting money from groups.
An angry Taribo Said, as per The Cable:
"I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country. What kind of nation is this? With the type of example that they have shown with Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country.
"Do we have a football association in this country or a federation in this Lagos state that this hero, soldier, football evangelist has to be treated this way and his family.
"Could you imagine that the family would be crying to solicit within our groups, just to ask for money? It is madness."
His outcry has sparked mixed reactions, as fans recall the several monetary gifts that were handed to the players during matches.
How Odili, Alamieseigha splashed cash on Super Eagles
During the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the players smiled to the bank after their 3-0 victory over Sudan at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The then Rivers State Governor Peter Odili treated the squad to a lavish reception at the Government House in Port Harcourt after the game.
P.M. Sport reported via All Africa that Odili splashed a staggering $25,000 on the team for defeating the Falcons of Jediane.
Not to be outdone, his counterpart from neighbouring Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, followed with a generous $15,000 donation.
Source: Getty Images
Abacha splashes cash on Super Eagles
Legit.ng earlier reported that Daniel Amokachi once opened up on the amount each Super Eagles player received for pulling out of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, having won the tournament two years earlier.
'The Bull' admitted that each player was paid the sum of $20,000 as compensation for withdrawing from the competition due to political tensions with South Africa.
Source: Legit.ng
