Former Super Eagles player Victor Ikpeba reacts to news of Taribo's death

Former Africa Player of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has reacted with a rebuttal to stories making the round that former Super Eagles and AC Milan of Italy defender, Taribo West, is dead.

A local media [not 360 Nobs] had on Friday evening published a false story reporting the demise of the ex-Super Eagles’ defender – on the basis of a report on a South African radio station.

The media house claimed that Taribo was flown into South Africa for medical treatment but did not state what he was diagnosed of.

However, Ikpeba took to Twitter to rebuff the claims:

My brother Taribo West is alive. Please ignore rumours that he is dead.

— Victor Ikpeba (@V_Ikpeba) September 30, 2016

Several close associates of the versatile defender also reacted to the news:

Why someone will just tweet that TARIBO WEST is dead without being 100 per cent sure baffles me, really tragic.LLAP Pastor.Its really sad.

— kayode tijani (@kayodetijani200) September 30, 2016

God will forgive the person that started the rumour on Pastor Taribo West death. ..He’s very much alive. …Confirm before posting any news

— Aluko Ibukunoluwa (@IbkSports) September 30, 2016

It’s so disgusting when people put out silly talks on social media. PLEASE TARIBO WEST IS DOING JUST FINE. Just got off the phone with him.

— Austin Okon-Akpan (@ProudlyAustin) September 30, 2016

WARNING: Ignore rumors of the death of Taribo West. I have spoken to him. He is alive, hale and hearty

— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) September 30, 2016

“I just spoke with Taribo West, my very good friend and Pastor is alive and well, I am very surprised that people will just wish somebody dead for no reason” former Super Eagles star Etim Esin stated.

In an attempt to quell the panic that is ensuing following the rumour, Mr West said he is very much alive and that Nigerians should reject the “satanic” rumour that he is dead.

The Gold medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games told TheCable:

“It’s really shocking, I must tell you. Imagine getting hundreds of calls all at the same time.
“You just cut off my daughter with your own persistent call now; its really terrible. I can’t begin to imagine how someone I don’t know will just write that I was dead.
“That, I am sure, means I will live far more decades in great health; it is well.”
“There is no need to sue anyone; I leave them to their conscience and God.”
“I am really actually happy because in spite of the satanic intentions behind their terrible motive, there is an advantage as it has made me connect back with lots and lots of people all over the world, people whom I have not been in touch with in years and decades.
“I am a pastor of God; I will leave them to their conscience if they have any and God. Taribo West will surely live to be an old man in good health.”