Street-boy turned pastor — West wants to win for Christ

Lagos: Nigeria’s Taribo West, a former Lagos street gangster who recently turned pastor, travels to Sydney in the hunt for another Olympic gold … and to win more souls for Christ. The 26-year-old AC Milan defender will be in Sydney unlike several of his international teammates who have snubbed the chance to repeat their heroics of four years ago in Atlanta. For the tough-tackling defender, he owes his life to football and so he is ever willing to show his gratitude by playing the game at any oppurtunity. Taribo grew up as an "area boy" or street gangster in the tough neigbourhood of Shomolu, East of the city of Lagos. His street gang burgled homes, extorted money from passers by and generally terrorised the neigbourhood.

This was despite the fact he and his gang lived only a short distance from the local police station. "My rough childhood toughened me," he said. "After going through all these experiences nothing now seems impossible for me to do. I have got the heart of a lion." After seven years as a professional in Europe Taribo’s life has turned full circle. He has started a foundation to support the poor and needy. He has also given his life to Christ and is a pastor in the little church he founded at his base in Italy.