Former Super Eagles left back Taye Taiwo has a prestigious honour from French club Olympique Marseille, being inducted into their hall of fame. Taiwo, who played for the club between 2005 and 2011, left an indelible mark with his powerful performances, scoring 25 goals and providing 23 assists in 271 appearances.
His six year stint at Marseille saw him contribute to several successes, solidifying his legacy as one of Nigeria’s finest left backs. On the international scene, Taiwo earned 54 caps between 2004 and 2011, scoring five goals for the Super Eagles. His club career also included notable spells at AC Milan and Queens Park Rangers.
Since retiring in 2019, Taiwo has been residing in France. His Hall of fame induction serves as a testament to his enduring impact on Marseille and the sport as a whole.
Editorial
As Taye Taiwo secures a place in Olympique Marseille’s hall of fame, we’re reminded of how important it is to celebrate African players who’ve shined on the global stage. Taiwo’s career is a beacon of inspiration for many young Nigerian footballers striving for international recognition. He was not just a reliable defender but a player with flair his signature powerful shots and defensive prowess made him a fan favourite.
What’s most remarkable is Taiwo’s consistency during his time at Marseille. While many players struggled to adapt when moving to Europe’s elite leagues, Taiwo thrived, displaying resilience and hard work. It’s this commitment that ensured he didn’t just play in Europe but dominated key positions and became part of his club’s rich history.
This achievement also raises a larger question about Nigeria’s footballing infrastructure. Taiwo’s journey from Nigeria to Europe should be a blueprint, highlighting the need for robust youth development programs. If we, as a nation, properly nurture young talents, we can produce more players of Taiwo’s calibre. His journey is a win for Nigeria, and the hope is that many others will follow in his footsteps.
Taye Taiwo’s Hall of fame induction isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a reminder of the greatness that Nigerian players can achieve when given the right opportunities.
Did You Know?
Taye Taiwo was named the best African player in Ligue 1 during the 2007/2008 season.
His iconic left footed shots were often clocked at speeds exceeding 130 km/h.
Taiwo helped Marseille win the French Ligue 1 title in the 2009/2010 season.
He won the African Youth Championship with Nigeria’s U20 team in 2005.
Taiwo’s goal against Paris Saint-Germain in 2006 is still remembered as one of the most powerful free kicks in Marseille’s history.
