Former Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia, has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of his former teammate, Peter Rufai, aged 61.
Siasia, who shared a room with Rufai during the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that it was shocking.
According to Siasia, “I was not aware he was ill, and none of the national teammates I know mentioned anything about it.
“It is terrible news that another colleague has died, just months after Christian Chukwu’s passing.
“The problem with Nigerians is that we value the dead more than the living, especially when it comes to financial support.
“When ex-internationals are alive, nobody cares. We risked our lives for the country,” he said.
Siasia also told NAN: “During the 1994 World Cup, I shared a room with Rufai, so I knew him well. This loss is painful for us and Nigeria.
“The government must do something for ex-internationals. Many cannot afford treatment when they fall ill.
“Those who brought joy to this country deserve support. We must remember we will all grow old too.
“Those who made Nigeria proud should not be left to suffer. Help should come while they live.”
Siasia urged football authorities to implement a reward system for ex-players, similar to what exists in the United Kingdom.
“In England, former national team players receive £5,000 weekly, not monthly.
“Why can’t we adopt that? We borrow other good practices from abroad, this should be one of them.
“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, a known sports lover, to rally stakeholders to support ex-internationals. I believe he will respond.” .
