“We don’t get pension. You are your own government.” — Jay-Jay Okocha
This quote from the Nigerian legend is a reality for most footballers across Africa. Unlike in England, where structured pension schemes exist for professional players, many African footballers retire into uncertainty.
Ex-Nigerian international Taribo West trended recently when he called out the Lagos FA and the Nigeria Football Federation for allegedly leaving the burden of care and burial arrangements for fellow ex-international Peter Rufai, to his family. At the time, I chose not to respond as emotions were high. But now, I want to offer a perspective.
Football is a beautiful game, but it’s also a short one. Careers can be cut even shorter by injury or illness. It is therefore important to have a plan B. When the big salaries come in, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment — buying flashy cars, building big houses, living large. But these things don’t maintain themselves. When the income slows down or stops, the bills don’t. And without a plan, it becomes overwhelming.
From my research, Peter Rufai earned substantial money during his European football career in the 1990s. His wages at clubs like Deportivo La Coruña are estimated to be around $5 million gross in today’s money, making him one of the best-paid Nigerian footballers of his era.
Is this accurate? 🤷🏽♀️
If so, it raises important questions about financial planning and personal responsibility during and after a football career.
However, it is important to note that investments carry risk. It is therefore crucial to do proper due diligence and not to put all eggs in one basket.
Pensions too are important. In most systems, this involves contributions from both the individual and the employer.
Is this something African clubs, federations and unions can begin to explore?
Can we build systems that support players beyond their playing days?
In England, players in the Premier League and English Football League are automatically enrolled in the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme, unless they opt out. The Professional Footballer’s Association website states that as of August 2025, the contribution paid on behalf of each registered contract player is £7,200 per annum, invested in a trustee-managed fund designed to support players in retirement.
In summary, when a footballer passes away, it is not the responsibility of the federation, the state FAs, or the government to fund the burial. They should, of course, come and pay their respects like everyone else — and ideally make a contribution to the family in honour of the player’s national duty. But the expectation that they must foot the entire or a substantial part of the bill is misplaced. We must begin to shift the culture toward personal responsibility and long-term planning.
May Peter Rufai’s soul continue to rest in perfect peace 😔 🙏🏾🕊️.
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