Taribo West

Taribo West (born 26 March 1974) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defender. He is best remembered for his various unusual and colourful hairstyles.[1][2]

Taribo West
Personal information
Full name Taribo West
Date of birth (1974-03-26) 26 March 1974
Place of birth Buguma, Nigeria
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
Sharks
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1989 Obanta United
1990 Sharks
1991 Enugu Rangers
1992 Julius Berger
1993–1997 Auxerre 73 (1)
1997–1999 Internazionale 44 (1)
2000–2001 Milan 4 (1)
2000–2001 → Derby County (loan) 18 (0)
2001–2002 1. FC Kaiserslautern 10 (0)
2003–2004 Partizan 16 (1)
2004–2005 Al-Arabi
2005 Plymouth Argyle 4 (0)
2007 Paykan 0 (0)
Total 169 (4)
National team
1993 Nigeria U21
1996 Nigeria U23 6 (0)
1994–2005 Nigeria 42 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

After winning several major trophies with Auxerre in French football, West went on to play for both Milanese clubs, Internazionale and Milan. He also appeared in the top-level leagues of England and Germany.

At international level, West made 42 caps for Nigeria between 1994 and 2005,[3] taking part in two World Cups and two African Championships. He also represented his country at the 1996 Olympics, winning a gold medal.

Club career

Early years

Born in Port Harcourt, West was discovered by Monday Sinclair,[4] who recruited him to play for Sharks. He started playing professionally with Obanta United in 1989, before returning to Sharks in 1990. West then played for Enugu Rangers in 1991, before joining Julius Berger in 1992.[5]

Auxerre

Following successful trials in early 1993, West joined French side Auxerre led by Guy Roux. He was on the bench during a 2–2 UEFA Cup draw against Tenerife on 15 September 1993, but failed to make his debut.[6] West eventually played his first competitive game for the club in a 0–0 away league draw at Toulouse on 5 March 1994. He became a first team regular in the following season, making 31 appearances in all competitions. In the 1995–96 season, West helped Auxerre win their first league title in the club's history, alongside such players as Laurent Blanc and Sabri Lamouchi, among others. They also won the national cup, thus collecting the double. West subsequently made seven appearances in the 1996–97 UEFA Champions League, as the club was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the eventual champions Borussia Dortmund.

Internazionale and Milan

In June 1997, West was transferred to Italian side Internazionale, on a four-year deal.[7] He made his competitive debut for the club in a 1–0 Coppa Italia victory over Foggia on 3 September 1997. Subsequently, West scored his first goal for Internazionale in a 2–1 Serie A win against Atalanta on 9 November 1997. He also scored the extra time winning goal against Schalke 04 in the 1997–98 UEFA Cup quarter-finals.[8] Eventually, Internazionale won the competition led by Ronaldo and Iván Zamorano, with West being sent off in the final against Lazio.[9] In the next season, West made 21 league appearances, as the club missed securing a spot in UEFA competitions. He failed to make any appearance in the 1999–2000 season, being three times an unused substitute.

In the 2000 winter transfer window, West switched to Internazionale's crosstown rivals Milan. He made his debut for the club on 24 March 2000, coming on as an injury time substitute for Andriy Shevchenko in 2–0 win over Juventus. On 14 May 2000, West managed to score his only goal for Milan in a 4–0 victory over Udinese.

England and Germany

In November 2000, West moved to English club Derby County, on an initial three-month loan.[10] He made his debut for the Rams on 18 November 2000, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 home league win over Bradford City. In January 2001, West signed an extension to stay with the Derbyshire side until the end of the 2000–01 season.[11] He helped the team avoid relegation, making 18 appearances, as Derby won 31 out of their 42 total points with him in the lineup. In May 2001, West eventually left the club because his "international commitments".[12][13]

In November 2001, West joined German club 1. FC Kaiserslautern on a free transfer.[14] He made his debut for the team in a 5–1 home league win over St. Pauli on 17 November 2001, starting the match and earning a yellow card in the process, before being substituted in the 81st minute. In April 2002, West was released by the club due to their "total disagreement".[15] He made a total of 10 league appearances in the 2001–02 season.

In August 2002, West trained with English side Manchester City for 10 days.[16] He eventually failed to get a contract due to lack of fitness.[17]

Partizan

On 24 January 2003, it was announced that West will join the reigning FR Yugoslavia champions Partizan.[18] He arrived in Belgrade for the final negotiations with the club five days later.[19] On 30 January 2003, West signed an 18-month contract with Partizan.[20] He made his official debut for the club on 1 March 2003, playing the full 90 minutes in a 4–2 home league victory over Radnički Obrenovac.[21] West scored his first goal for Partizan in a 4–0 home league win over Vojvodina on 7 May 2003.[22] Under Lothar Matthäus, the club convincingly won the 2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro.[23] Afterwards, West was one of the most influential players on the way to helping Partizan reach the group stage of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League, eliminating Newcastle United on penalties in the third qualifying round.[24] He managed to record three appearances in Group F, despite missing numerous games in the first half of the 2003–04 season due to injuries. In February 2004, West left the club by mutual consent.[25][26]

Later years

In August 2004, West signed a one-year contract with Qatari club Al-Arabi.[27] He scored his only goal for the side in a 1–1 league draw away at Al-Wakrah on 4 November 2004.[28] West subsequently returned to England, penning a one-year deal with Plymouth Argyle in July 2005.[29] He made his debut for the club on 27 August 2005, picking up a yellow card in a 0–1 loss to Hull City. West appeared in only five games for Plymouth, before his contract was terminated in October 2005.[30]

In January 2007, West was close to signing with Croatian club Rijeka, but failed his medical.[31] He eventually moved to Iran and signed a one-year contract with Paykan in August 2007.[32] West failed to make a start with the club, having his contract terminated by mutual consent only three months later.

In February 2008, West reportedly claimed to be joining Segunda División side Xerez,[33] but the club's president denied any knowledge of the player's arrival.[34]

International career

West was a member of the Flying Eagles at the 1993 African Youth Championship. He then went on to earn 42 full international caps for Nigeria, making his debut in a 1–3 loss to Sweden on 5 May 1994. West was also a member of the Olympic squad that won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.[35] He played every single minute of the tournament. Two years later, West was named in the 22-man squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, together with Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and others.[36] They reached the second stage of the tournament, being eliminated by Denmark in the round of 16.[37]

In the 2000 African Cup of Nations, West played the full 90 minutes in all of Nigeria's games in the competition, as they finished runners-up to Cameroon. He also represented his country in the tournament's 2002 edition, finishing in third place. Additionally, West was a member of the team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[38] He made two appearances in the "Group of Death", as Nigeria finished bottom of the table, behind Sweden, England and Argentina. After the tournament, Nigeria coach Festus Onigbinde blamed West for the team's failure, stating that the player "flouted' his instructions.[39]

In January 2004, West suffered an injury during the team's training session that ruled him out of the African Cup of Nations.[40] He returned to the national team on 17 August 2005, making his final appearance for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Libya.[41]

Style of play

Although he lacked pace, West was known for his tackling ability as a defender.[42]

Personal life

Religion and beliefs

A devout Christian, West admittedly used charms before games during his professional career as a footballer.[43] He eventually became a pastor after his footballing days.[44] In 2014, West founded a church called "Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nation" in Lagos.[45]

Age controversy

In 2010, it was reported that West and other Nigerian internationals, such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Obafemi Martins, were much older than they claimed to be.[46] In April 2013, Žarko Zečević, former FK Partizan general secretary, said that West is 12 years older than his claimed age.[47] Shortly afterwards, West denied the accusation.[48]

Career statistics

Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[49]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Auxerre 1993–94 French Division 1 10000000—10
1994–95 230201050—310
1995–96 220301041—301
1996–97 271301070—381
Total 7318030161—1002
Internazionale 1997–98 Serie A 23130—81—342
1998–99 21040—3020300
1999–2000 0000———00
Total 44170—11120642
Milan 1999–2000 Serie A 4100—000041
Derby County (loan) 2000–01 Premier League 1801010——200
1. FC Kaiserslautern 2001–02 Bundesliga 10020———120
Partizan 2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro 11100—00—111
2003–04 5000—70—120
Total 16100—70—231
Al-Arabi 2004–05 Qatar Stars League ——
Plymouth Argyle 2005–06 Championship 400010——50
Paykan 2007–08 Iran Pro League 0000———00
Career total 169418050342202286

International
National teamYearAppsGoals
Nigeria 199410
199510
199610
199740
199870
199930
200070
200170
2002100
200300
200400
200510
Total420

Honours

Club

Auxerre

Internazionale

Partizan

International

Nigeria

References
  1. "Dedicated followers of fashion". fifa.com. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  2. "Football's hair-raising icons". fifa.com. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  3. "Taribo West - International Appearances". rsssf.com. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  4. "Q&A with Monday Sinclair". supersport.com. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  5. "Q & A with Taribo West". supersport.com. 3 October 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  6. "Tenerife 2-2 Auxerre". uefa.com. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  7. "FOOT (2). Taribo West quitte Auxerre pour l'Inter Milan" (in French). liberation.fr. 26 June 1997. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  8. "Schalke 1-1 Internazionale". uefa.com. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  9. "Inter finally complete their hat-trick". uefa.com. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  10. "West heads for Derby". bbc.co.uk. 2 November 2000. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  11. "West stays with Rams". bbc.co.uk. 24 January 2001. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  12. "Taribo goes West". bbc.co.uk. 9 May 2001. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  13. "Premiership transfers in full". theguardian.com. 1 August 2001. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  14. "West joins Kaiserslautern". uefa.com. 9 November 2001. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  15. "Kaiserslautern release West". uefa.com. 12 April 2002. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  16. "Man City check out West". bbc.co.uk. 19 August 2002. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  17. "Man City rule out move for West". bbc.co.uk. 28 August 2002. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  18. "TARIBO WEST U PARTIZANU !!!" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 24 January 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  19. "Stigao West !" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  20. "POTPISAO TARIBO WEST !" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 30 January 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  21. "Mangiaaali tutti (Pojedi ih sve ) !!!" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 1 March 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  22. "Taribo breaks scoring duck". bbc.co.uk. 8 May 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  23. "Partizan odbranio titulu !" (in Serbian). b92.net. 7 May 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  24. "Newcastle crash out". bbc.co.uk. 27 August 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  25. "Taribo" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 25 February 2004. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  26. "Taribo Vest napušta Partizan" (in Serbian). b92.net. 27 February 2004. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  27. "Mboma and West go to Qatar". bbc.co.uk. 10 August 2004. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  28. "Qatar 2004/05". rsssf.com. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  29. "Argyle net Nigerian defender West". bbc.co.uk. 5 July 2005. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  30. "Plymouth terminate West contract". bbc.co.uk. 6 October 2005. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  31. "Koljanin: Westu želimo puno sreće, mi idemo dalje" (in Croatian). index.hr. 28 January 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  32. "Taribo West moves to Iran". bbc.co.uk. 24 August 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  33. "Fresh chance for Nigeria stars". bbc.co.uk. 26 February 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  34. "Xerez deny West signing claim". bbc.co.uk. 29 February 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  35. "Amunike grabs the gold for Nigeria". independent.co.uk. 3 August 1996. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  36. "France '98: A Team By Team Guide". independent.co.uk. 6 June 1998. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  37. "World Cup: Blanc propels France to quarterfinals 1-0; Denmark blasts Nigeria 4-1". soccertimes.com. 28 June 1998. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  38. "Nigeria oust the old guard". independent.co.uk. 19 May 2002. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  39. "West blamed for World Cup failure". bbc.co.uk. 25 June 2002. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  40. "West to miss African Nations Cup". cnn.com. 14 January 2004. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  41. "Nigeria beats Libya 1-0 in football friendly". panapress.com. 17 August 2005. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  42. "Nigeria: Player penpix". BBC Sport. 12 February 2000. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  43. "Ex-footballer admits using charm to play matches". pulse.ng. 20 September 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  44. "Ex-footballer turned pastor holds church crusade". pulse.ng. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  45. "WTF Happened To... Taribo West?". sports.vice.com. 8 January 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  46. "Forever young: Nigerian football's age-old problem". theguardian.com. 20 February 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  47. "Former AC Milan player Taribo West is '12 years older than he claims'". The Independent. 4 April 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  48. "West plays down age concern". goal.com. 4 April 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  49. Taribo West at WorldFootball.net
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