Reports filtered in earlier on Friday that former Super Eagles defender Taribo West had died.

An online news outlet (not YNaija) published a totally untruthful story saying the player had died in South Africa.

However friends of the player, and some sports journalist have debunked the news as unfounded.

Former Eagles forward and friend to West, Victor Ikpeba took to his Twitter account to say Taribo is alive.

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

— Victor Ikpeba (@V_Ikpeba) 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

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

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

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

— IbkSports (@IbkSports) September 30, 2016