Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has revealed the spiritual encounter that led him to retire from football and take up a life of ministry.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Taribo who was once famous for his bold tackles and even bolder hairstyles said he experienced a divine calling that changed the course of his life forever.
According to him, the turning point came during a moment of celebration when a mysterious encounter with a woman and an audible voice from God prompted him to apologize for a seemingly minor offense. What followed, he says, was a chain of prophetic revelations that set him on the path to becoming a pastor.
“Why would I switch from being a footballer to becoming a pastor? I saw God one-on-one. That’s where my transition started from the field to the pulpit,” Taribo shared.
He recounted how a woman approached him during a celebration, asking for his name and where he lived. His evasive and dismissive responses annoyed the woman, but moments later, he heard what he described as a divine slap and voice commanding him to find and apologize to her.
“It said: ‘Look at the woman. Look for her now and call that woman and apologize to her. I said that to you.’ That can only be a voice from God.”
After obeying the instruction, the woman who had travelled from the US gave him several prophecies, including one that he would open a church within two years. Taribo said every prophecy came to pass.
The former Inter Milan and Auxerre star now leads Shepherd in Christ Gospel Ministries, using his platform to preach and mentor others.
Taribo West’s story has left many reflecting on the power of personal transformation and divine calling.
