Super Eagles legend, Taribo West, says he would never advise his son to play for Nigeria due to the poor treatment of football stars and icons by the government, citing neglect and lack of care that has led to the death of many in recent years.
This was contained in a post made available on a popular social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
Taribo West spoke his heart out, stressing that Nigerian footballers, both during his time and in recent years, have given their best to put the country on the map.
Despite their efforts, he lamented, the government has done little to recognize or support them.
His words: “For me, it’s disheartening that you have the Nigeria Football Association, they drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit there’s nothing to put your life for, that’s why I had to shift back so that I’ll not implode.”
He recalled his struggles without government support, including his personal losses: “My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had ghost pimples on my body and every individual I was speaking to, there were tears of lamb rolling through my cheeks.”
Expressing his frustration, he added: “What kind of nation is this? With this kind of example they have shown in Shofoluwe, in Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I will never advise my son to put his feet for this country.”
He further questioned the state of football leadership in Nigeria: “Do we have a football federation or do we have a football association in this Lagos State that this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist has to be treated this way and his family?”
On the struggles of players and their families, he revealed: “Could you imagine that we solicit within our group to ask for money? That is madness.”
Taribo West spoke at length about the government’s attitude toward footballers, and as the post circulated online, concerned individuals flooded the comment section to share their thoughts.
See some reactions below:
@Arkiteck_: “Someone who forfeited $460k narcotics drug money to USA govt. is a joke to you.”
@Onyeomaedu: “The same Taribo that prayed for Tinubu to be president is now crying.”
@meekeejo: “That he prayed for Tinubu to emerge as president is one thing; that all who gave there best for Nigeria in various capacities & are neglected as they age, abandoned to suffer & die is wrong. Where’s the NFF, Sports Commission? Governors of theirs states and philanthropists? Sad!”
@virgomastery: “We only cry when it affects us directly. Another man na garawa.”
@AsalaDolam29902: “dis matter is very funny what I dont known is dis dis order country care for the explayers.”
@kujembola_mike: “Individuals who genuinely make sacrifices for the nation often regret the maltreatment and abandonment they suffer, while politicians who engage in reckless thievery continue to harm hardworking citizens who toil for the nation. Wait a minute, shebi he campaigned for this govt ?”
@bobbyspage: “Everything about the country is in chaos, no direction, only criminals having their field day with our collective patrimony. We’re doomed if we don’t get compassionate and competent leadership right in this country.”
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