Taribo West’s Salary in 1999 Emerges After Criticising FG for Abandoning Rufai, Others
- Super Eagles legend Taribo West's salary in 1999 has surfaced online after his recent emotional outburst
- The legendary defender criticised the federal government for failing to support late Peter Rufai's family
- West spent the first half of 1999 at AC Milan before joining their rivals, Inter Milan, for the second half
Super Eagles legend Taribo West's salary in 1999 has emerged online after he complained that the Federal Government of Nigeria abandoned former players.
Former goalkeeper Peter Rufai died in Lagos last month after a long battle with illness, weeks after the demise of former captain and coach Christian Chukwu.
Source: Getty Images
Rufai was buried after a mass at a Catholic church in Lagos on Friday, August 22, 2025, and controversies have ensued from his former colleagues.
Taribo West led the train in criticising the Nigerian government for failing to support the former players during their ailing time and even their burial.
The defender noted previous examples of Stephen Keshi, Christian Chukwu and Rufai, amongst others, who did not receive support from the government past their retirement.
Former teammates Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia also blasted the government for not bearing the burden of Peter Rufai's final rites.
The NFF refuted these claims and confirmed in an official statement that the organisation made due donations to the family of Rufai and Chukwu for their burial.
Taribo West's salary in 1999 emerges
West earned the support of many Nigerians, while many others slammed him for being entitled and wanting the government to take over personal responsibilities.
According to All Africa, quoting newspaper PM News, Taribo’s salary in 1999 during his time at AC Milan has emerged, attracting criticism from fans.
The defender reportedly earned £1.24 million (₦193 million) in a season at that time, making him one of the highest-paid players in the world at that time.
The money in today's pounds to Naira rate, without factoring in inflation, is about ₦2.7 billion, which fans believe should set anyone up for life.
@gabriel_bolatit wrote:
“They have wasted their hard-earned money at their prime now blaming the government at old age. Confused set of people 😕 😐”
@nnabest4uau wrote:
“If these earnings were properly invested, rather than divested, I do not see any reason why these compatriots should be worried about their ageing days when their skills have depreciated. I encourage these young/present generations of artists and athletes to secure the future through proper investment plans or securing life insurance to mitigate the impact of ageing on their careers.”
Source: Getty Images
@NaijaDentistNG wrote:
“Let’s tell ourselves the truth; many of them failed themselves. Wrong choices, lack of foresight, and poor planning contributed to the struggles they faced later in life.”
Taribo West opened a church in 2014, years after his retirement, the Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nations in Lagos.
Journalist slams Taribo West
Legit.ng reported that ace journalist Godwin Enakhena slammed Taribo West after the former Super Eagles defender criticised the government at Peter Rufai's burial.
Enakhena hit back at his former footballer, questioning how much he gave, while listing those who contributed financially to the bereaved family.
Source: Legit.ng
