‘Plan Your Life’: Nigerians Slam Taribo West Over Anti-Nigeria Remarks

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has come under fire following his comments that he would never advise his child to play for Nigeria because, according to him, the country neglects its retired footballers.

In a viral video, the ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan player lamented that many former internationals were left to suffer in poverty and ill-health after serving the nation, claiming that Nigeria does not take care of its legends.

However, his remarks have triggered strong pushback from football fans and social commentators, many of whom argue that the government and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have done more than enough for ex-players, insisting that the problem lies in poor personal financial planning by some footballers.

Critics point out that players like West and his contemporaries earned thousands of dollars in match bonuses for the Super Eagles as far back as the 1990s, while also collecting hefty salaries from their European clubs. “They were not playing for free. They were paid handsomely both at home and abroad,” one commentator noted, stressing that Nigeria does not owe its ex-footballers a “cradle-to-grave” responsibility.

Many also cited examples of former internationals who thrived after retirement, including Nwankwo Kanu, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, and Daniel Amokachi, attributing their success to prudent planning and wise investments. They contrasted these with the financial struggles of some others who, according to them, squandered their wealth on lavish lifestyles while abroad.

“Even Maradona, George Best, and Paul Gascoigne died broke in their own countries. Did anyone insult Argentina or England?” another critic asked, dismissing West’s comments as unfair blackmail against Nigeria.

Some respondents also stressed that ex-footballers were not the only Nigerians who served the country, highlighting that soldiers, teachers, doctors, and police officers dedicate their lives under harsher conditions with far less reward, yet receive little attention upon retirement.

They further argued that nothing stops ex-internationals from forming welfare associations and insurance schemes like their counterparts in Europe. “Why should footballers expect the government to pack their poop?” one fan quipped, pointing to the nation’s past support for legends like Christian Chukwu, Peter Fregene, and Henry Nwosu when they faced health challenges.

The backlash underscores a broader debate about entitlement and accountability in Nigerian sports. While many agree that ex-internationals deserve recognition for their service, critics maintain that it is wrong to paint the country black because some players failed to prepare for life after football.

“Taribo played more games for his clubs than for Nigeria. Football was a career, not charity work. He was paid, honoured, and celebrated. To now say he would never let his child play for Nigeria is simply irresponsible,” one reaction read.

For now, Taribo’s comments have sparked renewed attention on the welfare of ex-internationals, but also a louder call for personal responsibility and collective organisation among players rather than blaming the nation.