₦airaland Forum

Before the world knew him as Nigeria’s dreaded defender with colourful hairstyles, Taribo West lived a rough life in the streets of Port Harcourt, caught up in gangs and street fights.

From there, he rose to play at the highest level with the Super Eagles, winning Olympic Gold, featuring in World Cups, and defending against some of football’s greatest legends. His tough tackles and fearless spirit made him a cult hero.

But Taribo’s journey didn’t end with football. He shocked the world when he became a pastor, sharing unbelievable stories about witchcraft in football, supernatural powers in the game, and his faith.

This video takes you inside the incredible transformation of Taribo West, from gangster, to flamboyant defender, to pastor with a message.

Watch here 👉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwUVOOMQYis?si=d3NGFgtyWvt0qg2W

What are your best memories of Taribo West in a Super Eagles shirt?

Arguably the best left back Nigeria produced...


Solid player!

brain54:
Arguably the best left back Nigeria produced...


Solid player!

He was never a left back.

Centre back, yes.

We had Iroha, Babayaro, Udeze then Taiye Taiwo.

Commentor:
He was never a left back.

Centre back, yes.

We had Iroha, Babayaro, Udeze then Taiye Taiwo.

True that...

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brain54:
Arguably the best left back Nigeria produced...


Solid player!

You obviously did not watch him.

He played as a central defender. What Nigerians call number 6 in the famous 5 and 6 pairing. He was the central defender responsible for marking the tackle while the last man the number 5 picks up the loose balls and cleans up after he does the dirty job.

He was really solid over the years. Especially his partnership with Uche Okechukwu the Gentle Giant.

Later he paired the younger Joseph Yobo until he retired.

otipoju:
You obviously did not watch him.

He played as a central defender. What Nigerians call number 6 in the famous 5 and 6 pairing. He was the central defender responsible for marking the tackle while the last man the number 5 picks up the loose balls and cleans up after he does the dirty job.

He was really solid over the years. Especially his partnership with Uche Okechukwu the Gentle Giant.

Later he paired the younger Joseph Yobo until he retired.

One of my all time favorite SE players was taribo...


Babayaro was another.

I played as a defender for some time... though not professionally and I patterned my style of play mostly after those two!

brain54:
One of my all time favorite SE players was taribo...


Babayaro was another.

I played as a defender for some time... though not professionally and I patterned my style of play mostly after those two!

Taribo was really solid. Funny enough they came to the scene late and we really never saw them at their real prime.

otipoju:
Taribo was really solid. Funny enough they came to the scene late and we really never saw them at their real prime.

Really never thought of it that way...

The iconic image I always have of taribo is a bandaged head and blood stained jersey in the match against Sweden at the 2002 world cup.

I think Nigeria lost the match 2-1. That image of him crying uncontrollably is etched in my memory.

Such passion... such dedication.

I don't think the present crop of players are half as dedicated as the older generation players.

Sometimes I think too much money in football killed the genuine passion for the game.

But it's all good!