Taribo West Blasts FG Over Neglect of Retired Footballers as Old Salary Resurfaces

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has criticized the Federal Government for abandoning retired Nigerian footballers, pointing to the struggles of late legends such as Rasheed Yekini, Peter Rufai, and Christian Chukwu.

His comments supported by ex-coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia sparked debate shortly after controversies surrounding Peter Rufai’s funeral.

Amid the conversation, details of West’s 1999 salary at AC Milan resurfaced, revealing he earned £1.24 million (₦193m at the time), valued at nearly ₦2.7 billion today.

The revelation triggered mixed reactions online, with some questioning why his personal earnings were relevant to the issue of government neglect, while others argued that Nigerian football authorities have failed to properly care for ex-players who brought glory to the nation.