Arsenal legend Thiery Henry has named former Nigeria defender Taribo West as the ‘toughest opponent’ he has ever faced in his illustrious career.
West was renowned for his colourful hairstyles and was one of Africa’s finest exports in the late 90’s and played a huge role in putting the Super Eagles on the world map, notably the 1996 Olympic Games where Nigeria won gold 1998 FIFA World Cup.
“Toughest as indirect opponent? Or just a guy you don’t like to play against? Paul Scholes.
“For a direct opponent, I would go back in the days - Taribo West.
“Because [at Auxerre], they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”
During his spell at AS Monaco, the Frenchman came up against West who was then playing for AJ Auxerre.
Henry revealed this while speaking on CBS Sports’ In The Mixer during Tuesday’s Champions League analysis.
Both Henry and West featured prominently in the French Ligue 1 in their active days with the ex-striker wearing the colours of AS Monaco while the hard-as-nails Nigerian defender featured prominently on the books of Auxerre.
West and Henry were at opposing ends again in the Italian Serie where the striker was with Juventus while the defensive lynchpin was plying his trade at Inter Milan.Famous for his hard-tackling and rugged style, West registered 42 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1994 and 2005; attending two editions of the World Cup in France and Japan/Korea in 2002.
West was also part of the Nigerian side that won the gold medal in the football event of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
While West has since become a pastor with his own church, Henry has moved into coaching and punditry.