How Taribo West Begged Rotimi Amaechi After Hoodlums Took Over His Property
- Taribo West reported that hoodlums seized a property he was awarded for his role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
- The Super Eagles played three of their home matches during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt
- The then-governor of Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, rewarded the team with $25,000 and properties as they picked a ticket to the global showpiece
Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West once raised alarm about how hoodlums took over the property awarded to him for helping the Super Eagles qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Having started the qualifying series in Lagos with a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone in their opening match, the Nigerian team moved to Port Harcourt for the remaining home matches.
The team thrashed Sudan 3-0 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, also known as the Liberation Stadium, and the then-governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, splashed cash on the squad.
Source: Getty Images
All Africa reports that Odili set the pace by gifted $25,000 to the team, with his counterpart from neighbouring Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieseigha, following suit with $15,000.
Nigeria went on to win the other two home games at the match venue, beating Liberia 3-0 and defeating Ghana 2-0 to seal the ticket to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
Consequently, the delighted Odili rewarded the Port Harcourt-born Taribo with a property within the state.
However, the star raised the alarm that hoodlums had taken over the property.
He told SuperSport, as per Vanguard:
"I went to my property along Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt to start developing it only to find out that hoodlums and illegal occupants have taken over the place
"I was not the only person that lost his land. The other players and even Keshi who was a member of the technical crew lost his land too."
Taribo West pleads with Amaechi
The former Inter Milan centre-back stated that he visited the Rivers State Government House to plead with Rotimi Amaechi to initiate the recovery of his property.
"I have met with the governor (the then Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi) and I have made an appeal to see that I get back my property.
"I served this country with distinction so it is only right that the reward I got in the process be returned to me by the illegal occupants."
Taribo West remains one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from Nigeria, having made 42 appearances for the senior national team.
Source: Getty Images
He also played for top European clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Auxerre, leaving a lasting legacy in international football.
Taribo West's salary in 1999 emerges
Legit.ng earlier reported that 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
Source: Legit.ng
