Olympics: Taribo West recalls how Nigeria created history in 1996

Since wining gold at the 1996 Olympics Nigeria claimed silver at the 2008 Games in Beijing

On 3 August 1996, Nigeria made history as the first African nation to become Olympic football champions at the Atlanta Games.

For Taribo West, the former Auxerre, AC Milan and Inter Milan defender, that 3-2 triumph over Argentina in the final is still fresh in his memory.

“The Olympics in 1996 is one of the most fantastic periods in my career,” West reminisces to BBC Sport.

“We had a team that could match any in the world.”

Nigeria’s results at 1996 Olmypics:Grp D: 1-0 HungaryQuarter-final: 2-0 MexicoGrp D: 2-0 JapanSemi-final: 4-3 Brazil (aet)Grp D: 0-1 BrazilFinal: 3-2 Argentina

West says the build-up to the Games, under the guidance of Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere, was ideal despite being beaten by Togo, in Lagos, in their final pre-Olympic friendly before travelling to the USA.

“Before the Olympics, we were well prepared in the USA. We were not distracted by the usual things we encounter back home in Nigeria, where family and friends can come and visit us in camp,” he remembers.

“We were in a very remote place and we were very focused on the task at hand. Jo Bonfrere’s preparation of the team was excellent.”

After their opening 1-0 win over Hungary and a subsequent 2-0 victory over Japan, the West …

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