The defensive pairing of Taribo West and Uche Okechukwu was feared by strikers not just on the continent but the world in general. The duo didn’t play as central pair for a long time but their partnership helped Nigeria win the 1996 Olympic Games.


With a line up that included Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Japan and hosts USA, the (Dream Team 1) erased all predictions and wrote their names in the Book of Life.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the understanding at the back between Uche Okechukwu (Gentle Giant) and Taribo West (Rugged Man). They made the well known Ronaldo De Lima, Rivaldo, Bebeto, Claudio Lopez and Ariel Ortega looked ordinary as Nigeria won the competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

They also helped Nigeria reach second round at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

Who are then these soldiers? They are Uche Okechukwu and Taribo West.

Uche Okechukwu was born on 27 September 1967 in Lagos. He was a dependable defender during his time. The retired defender lists Flash Flamingoes, Iwuanyanwu Nationale now Heartland, Brondby, Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor as his former clubs.

Uche Okechukwu and Taribo West are arguably the best central defenders to have played for Nigeria. Their legacy still remains at the back of fans minds.

Uyi168:
...
U guys see what I was saying..
Real matches are here. Napoli put 6 past Genoa and oshimen is not even on the score sheet..

What about assist?

Delete that thing from your memory cos that wasn't Gentle Giant you saw.

bernard1000001:
hbd legend....i remember this guy can gamble at defense like pique but him try sha...he has a good record though

When football were played by men - See his muscle and agility - you go fear naa

Respect to team US -94

HBD legend and my all time MVD (Most Valuable Defender), slightly ahead of 'Chairman' himself and the mercurial Yisa Sofoluwe.

HBD lore and my all moment nkvd (majority value Defender), slightly ahead of 'Chairman' himself and the inunction Yisa Sofoluwe.

Enudapan:
Nah eh! No qualms
This is so sophisticated


Odogwu my man

what d fuk are you saying. whats no qualms? does it have meaning in this context or you are just trying to be a copy cat?

Uyi168:
...
U guys see what I was saying..
Real matches are here. Napoli put 6 past Genoa and oshimen is not even on the score sheet..

Football is a team game & Napoli won.
Most important is; did he have a good game?

Living legend

Uyi168:
...
U guys see what I was saying..
Real matches are here. Napoli put 6 past Genoa and oshimen is not even on the score sheet..

Bayern beat barca 8-2 and mercy was not on the score sheet. Person wey assist follow score

Very fit and tough guy in defence. He, Yekini, Amunike, Amokachi, Finidi, Eguavoen, Iroha, Okafor & indeed the whole team deserved to play in 1994 WC Final.

They were that good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOdfJ2u4EdM

Uche and West those years.