Taribo West: When Super Eagles Legend Narrated Story Behind Switching Football to Become a Pastor

• Taribo West once explained why he switched football to become a church owner
• The Super Eagles legend was rated as one of the best defenders of his generation
• The ex-Nigerian international had a spell at top European clubs before he retired

Super Eagles legend, Taribo West once narrated the story behind switching from football to becoming a 'man of God' and establishing a church of his own.

The tough-tackling defender is remembered for his unique colourful hairstyle which helped him stand out among other centre-backs of the time.

West is one of the most successful Nigerian defenders in history, winning Ligue 1 with Auxerre in 1996 before moving to Serie A with Inter Milan, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1998.

The Nigerian defender had a short spell with Italian rivals, AC Milan before moving to the English Premier League to join Derby County in 2000.

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In a chat with the BBC in 2021, West told the story of how he had met God and then switched from football, as Complete Sports reported.

"Why would I switch from being a football player to becoming a pastor? I saw God one-on-one. That’s where my transition started; from the field to the pulpit," he said.

"We were celebrating. In the middle of that, a [strange] woman stumbled into me and said: ‘Sir, please may I know your name?’" he continued.

The ex-Super Eagles star then detailed how the curious encounter he had with the woman had ended and how he eventually heeded God's voice.

The former Milan star is now one of the most popular pastors in Nigeria and he has focused on helping young footballers through his religion.

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Henry describes West as the toughest

Sports Brief previously reported on legendary France and Arsenal forward, Thierry Henry naming West as the toughest opponent he faced.

The pair met several times during their time in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, with Henry describing the Nigerian as a master marker.