Taribo West’s alleged salary emerges online after blasting FG for abandoning retired football stars
Following the recent criticism former Super Eagles defender Taribo West leveled at the Federal Government over the neglect of retired footballers, his 1999 salary has resurfaced online, sparking buzz.
Taribo West, who played for AC Milan and Inter Milan, condemned authorities for abandoning ex-players during times of struggle, citing the recent deaths of Peter Rufai, Rasheed Yekini and Christian Chukwu as examples of the system’s failures.
Peter Rufai, a former national team goalkeeper, passed away in Lagos last month after battling a long-term illness, while Chukwu, another ex-Super Eagles captain and coach, had died shortly before.
Controversies surrounding Rufai’s funeral, held on August 22, 2025, further fueled the debate.
The outspoken defender called out the lack of government support for football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Chukwu, and Rufai following their retirements.
Fellow former players, Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, also backed Taribo West’s claims, criticizing authorities for failing to assist with funeral arrangements and expenses.
Amid the debate, attention turned to Taribo West’s past earnings. Reports from All Africa and PM News revealed that he earned £1.24 million (₦193 million) during his 1999 season at AC Milan, making him one of the world’s highest-paid players at the time.
Adjusted to today’s exchange rate, this amounts to about ₦2.7 billion, sparking mixed reactions from the public.
Netizens Reactions…
Goodnesse88 reacted: “Wow that was very huge! That’s about 16million Naira per month in 1999.”
tunde1200 said: “Talk and make sense out of it. Leave government alone and develop yourself.”
Maxymilliano commented: “What has his salary at club level had to do with the NFF not doing enough for ex-players who fought to put the country name on global list ?
Putindbutt wrote: ”And they played for the country free of charge?, dem no collect their bonuses?. Are you aware that they were paid in dollars?. Are civil servants being paid in dollars?. So after all that, Govt must take over their responsibility after retirement?. Is Nollywood actors not putting Nigeria on the map, how many artistes are crying to Govt after their career?. Abeg shift.”
TheBillyonaire said: “Were they not being paid while playing football. Was it free ?
Jmoore commented: “Wetin concern Taribo’s salary with Peter Rufai?.”
Putindbutt replied: “@Jmoore wetin concern Taribo’s salary with Peter Rufai? Wetin no concern am?. No be him dey cry say they’re poor and being neglected.”
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