Taribo West Lectures Balogun, Troost-Ekong

Eniola Olayemi

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has proffered free defensive tips to the country’s current centre-back pair, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong.

West, 43, during his playing days, was a trojan at the back, with unusual athleticism, energy and tenacity.

In over 40 appearances for Nigeria as well as stints at top European sides including both Milan giants, the 43-year-old proved a solid defender.

Now West, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Study Group, is conveying that knowledge to the younger generation.

“During our time we had rugged defenders, but that is not the case today because we now have more defenders using their mental strengths than their physical strengths on the pitch, ” the Atlanta 1996 Gold Medalist revealed to AOIFootball on Wednesday.

“The game against Argentina exposed us a bit, but I’m sure the coaches will look into it and with our wealth of experience, I believe we can work as a team and help improve the team generally.”

However, WEST still had a word of praise for the current crop

“I must commend both players – Balogun and Ekong for they have been doing a great job with the defence and we can all see the results.

“Before the Cameroon game, I was scared because of the physical strength of the Cameroonians but they showed the great intelligence to mark them out.”

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has proffered free defensive tips to the country’s current centre-back pair, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong.

West, 43, during his playing days, was a trojan at the back, with unusual athleticism, energy and tenacity.

In over 40 appearances for Nigeria as well as stints at top European sides including both Milan giants, the 43-year-old proved a solid defender.

Now West, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Study Group, is conveying that knowledge to the younger generation.

“During our time we had rugged defenders, but that is not the case today because we now have more defenders using their mental strengths than their physical strengths on the pitch, ” the Atlanta 1996 Gold Medalist revealed to AOI Football on Wednesday.

“The game against Argentina exposed us a bit, but I’m sure the coaches will look into it and with our wealth of experience, I believe we can work as a team and help improve the team generally.”

However, West still had a word of praise for the current crop.

“I must commend both players – Balogun and Ekong for they have been doing a great job with the defence and we can all see the results.

“Before the Cameroon game, I was scared because of the physical strength of the Cameroonians but they showed the great intelligence to mark them out.”