Taye Taiwo, Taribo West and other Super Eagles stars to have played for AC Milan

• TheRadar highlights the careers of four Super Eagles players who have represented AC Milan
• We take an extensive look into how these players made notable impacts during their time at Milan and beyond from Taribo West's tough defence to Chukwueze's dynamic wing play
• While their careers had its ups and downs, they are remembered for both their on-field performances and their personal stories

If you’re a fan of Nigerian football or AC Milan, this article is your goldmine! It dives deep into the journeys of four standout Super Eagles players who have donned the iconic red and black of the Rossoneri. 

From Taribo West's unique hairstyle and robust defending to Taye Taiwo's blistering left-foot strikes, all the way to Samuel Chukwueze's electric wing play, there’s so much history between Nigeria and AC Milan. 

Whether you're here for nostalgia or curious about current stars, get ready to learn more about these legends and their unique impact on both club and country. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!

Facts about Super Eagles stars who have played for the “Rossoneri”

TheRadar has compiled in detail interesting facts about past and present Super Eagles players of AC Milan:

Taribo West

Taribo West, popular for his flamboyant hairstyles and a key figure in the iconic video game Championship Manager 2001-02, transitioned from his eventful football career to spreading faith as a religious pastor after hanging up his boots in 2007. 

Growing up in the tough neighbourhoods of Shomolu after moving from Port-Harcourt to Lagos, he navigated a rough path filled with dead-end jobs before finding his calling in football. It was the tragic death of a childhood friend that prompted his return to Port-Harcourt, and in 1993, West’s breakthrough came in the form of a professional football career in France.

At Auxerre, West showed his defensive prowess, playing a crucial role in the club's first-ever Ligue 1 triumph in 1995-96. The game left a lasting impact on many, including a young Thierry Henry, 

“I would go back in the day to Taribo West, At Auxerre, they were man-marking. He was following you everywhere, even in the dressing room!” Henry recalled during CBS Sports' Champions League coverage in 2021 when asked about his toughest opponent.

West’s prime years stretched from the mid-90s to the early 2000s, in 1996, he was instrumental in Nigeria's Olympic gold win, playing every minute of the Dream Team’s sensational run. 

The team’s remarkable victories over Brazil and Argentina which saw them win a gold medal became a defining moment in Nigerian football. Two years later, now with an established reputation, West was on the international stage again but this time for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, now as a far more mature player and a key figure in Nigeria’s defence.

At club level, he was part of Inter Milan's UEFA Cup-winning squad in 1998. Their dominant 3-0 victory over Lazio in the final saw West receive a red card, yet with the Nerazzurri comfortably ahead, only a major collapse could have prevented their triumph. The red card, which gave him a “bad boy” image did little to overshadow his contributions to the team’s success.

Back in France for the World Cup, West remained a vital player for the Super Eagles, who had assembled a squad filled with the same talents that had dazzled in Atlanta two years earlier. Despite their potential, Nigeria’s run was unexpectedly cut short by Denmark in a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16. 

However Taribo West’s legacy as one of Nigeria's greatest defenders remained intact, a player celebrated not just for his hairstyle, but for his passion on the pitch.

While modern football may no longer have a place for such uncompromising defenders, West’s technique and tenacity ensured that he was, and always will be, one of a kind.

Taye Taiwo

Taye Taiwo, prominent for his thunderous left-footed strikes, is a name that commands admiration among Nigerian football fans and supporters of the various clubs he represented throughout his career. 

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to his parents Salisu and Mrs Taiwo, Taye was the firstborn in a twin birth, earning him the name ‘Taye,’ a Yoruba traditional name. Though rumours circulated for years about age discrepancies between him and his twin, Taiwo later clarified that these stories were false. 

According to him, his twin sister tragically passed away as a child and having lost his mother many years ago and his father in 2020, Taiwo now carries the family legacy alongside his siblings, two other sisters and three brothers.

Taiwo’s football journey began in the Nigerian Professional League before he embarked on a European adventure in 2005, signing for Olympique de Marseille. His stint in France remains the high point of his career, where his defensive skills made him a fan favourite. 

While representing Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, Taiwo gained valuable international experience and was part of one of Nigeria’s most memorable football moments. 

Taiwo’s career wasn’t without its hurdles, with occasional disciplinary issues and inconsistency hampering his progress. However, his time at Marseille, where he won several trophies, including Ligue 1 and the Coupe de la Ligue only proved that he had a successful spell with the French side. Taiwo’s impact on the club has transcended generations, with current French international Adrien Rabiot citing him as one of his favourite players growing up.

In 2011, his outstanding performances at Marseille earned him a high-profile move to AC Milan. Unfortunately, his time in Italy was far from successful, as he struggled for game time and faced stiff competition from other left-backs. His next step took him on a series of loan moves, including a brief stint at Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League, and later Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine.

Following his time at AC Milan, Taiwo’s career took a nomadic turn as he played for Bursaspor in Turkey, HJK Helsinki in Finland, Lausanne in Switzerland, and AFC Eskilstuna in Sweden, among others. His final professional moves included spells in the United States and Finland, where he eventually hung up his boots.

On the international stage, Taiwo had a commendable career, earning numerous caps for Nigeria. He played a crucial role in the Super Eagles' defence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. 

One of the highlights of his international career was Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory, where Taiwo’s defensive contributions helped the team secure the trophy. 

In addition to his on-field success, Taiwo’s net worth is estimated at over $6 million, thanks to earnings from football and business ventures. The former left-back reportedly built a 3-billion-naira hotel in Lagos at some point and has other businesses around Nigeria.

Taiwo is married to his longtime partner Nimota, with whom he shares two children. 

Aliyu Datti