Former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed disappointment over what he describes as Nigeria’s poor treatment of its football legends, including iconic goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Speaking in a recent interview, Eguavoen lamented that many ex-internationals who gave their best years to Nigerian football have been abandoned, despite their immense contributions to the growth of the game.
“It is painful to see our legends neglected. Players like Peter Rufai, who carried the Super Eagles on their shoulders, deserve more recognition and support from the country,” Eguavoen said.
Rufai’s Legacy with the Super Eagles
Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana”, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1990s, playing a crucial role in the team’s golden era. He represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and was part of the historic squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
Despite such achievements, Eguavoen stressed that Rufai and many other ex-Super Eagles stars now live in the shadows, without the recognition or welfare support they deserve.
Call for Better Welfare Programs
Eguavoen urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and government authorities to set up structures that provide welfare, healthcare, and post-retirement opportunities for former players.
“Other countries celebrate and take care of their legends. Why can’t we do the same? These are men who sacrificed everything for the green and white jersey. It is time Nigeria pays them back,” he added.
Growing Concern Over Neglect of Ex-Internationals
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the plight of retired Super Eagles players. Football analysts and fans have repeatedly called on Nigerian authorities to emulate nations where former athletes are honored with ambassadorial roles, pensions, or technical development jobs.
With Nigeria preparing for future international competitions, Eguavoen believes that giving back to past heroes like Rufai, Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and others will inspire the younger generation to give their all for the national team.