Taribo West toughest defender I ever faced-Thierry Henry

French and Arsenal football legend Thierry Henry has picked former Super Eagles defender Taribo West as the toughest opponent he ever faced in his illustrious career.

Taribo and Henry’s paths crossed in the 1990s when they played in the Ligue. While Henry played with Monaco, which he joined in 1994 with 28 goals in 141 total appearances, Taribo was with AJ Auxerre from 1993 to 1997, winning the Ligue 1 title and establishing a reputation for fierce, uncompromising man-marking.

Henry went on to play in Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona against some of the most flamboyant and hardest tackling defenders, including iconic players like Maldini, Carles Puyol, West Brown, Cannavaro, Japp Stam and others.

But when asked which was the toughest defender he ever faced in his career, Henry easily picked the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Cup winner Taribo West.

He said: ‘’A direct opponent? I will go back to the days. Taribo West. He was following me everywhere even in the dressing room.’’

Taribo West, who is now a pastor, started with Obanta United, Sharks, Rangers and Julius Berger in the local league before joining AJ Auxerre in 1993.

He later joined Inter Milan (1997–1999) where he played alongside stars like Ronaldo and won the UEFA Cup in 1998; AC Milan (2000–2001), AC Milan, Derby County, FC Kaiserslautern in Germany, Partizan Belgrade (Serbia) and other clubs in the Middle East and Iran before retiring.

He earned 42 caps for Nigeria between 1994 and 2005, won the Olympic Gold with the dream team and represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cups in 1998 and 2002.