Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has made headlines after declaring he will never allow his son to play for the Nigerian national football team, citing deep-seated issues within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the broader football establishment.
In a recent interview, the ex-Inter Milan and Auxerre star expressed disillusionment with what he described as chronic mismanagement, corruption, and favoritism that continue to plague Nigerian football.
“With the level of injustice, corruption, and favoritism in the system, I will never allow my son to wear the green and white,” West stated. “It’s not about patriotism; it’s about protecting a career from being destroyed before it even starts.”
The 1996 Olympic gold medalist, now a pastor and youth mentor, did not mince words in his critique of how promising talents are often sidelined in favor of players with connections to powerful figures within the federation.
West’s statement has sparked a wave of debate across social media and sports platforms, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments about the need for structural reforms in Nigerian football.
Despite his harsh words, West insisted that his passion for Nigerian football remains intact, but said he hopes his comments serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to prioritize merit and fairness.
The NFF has yet to issue an official response.
Taribo West, known for his uncompromising style on the pitch and colorful hairstyles during his playing days, earned 42 caps for Nigeria between 1994 and 2005 and was instrumental in the country’s historic run in both the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.
