Thompson Oliha (4 October 1968 – 30 June 2013) was a Nigerian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs in Africa and Europe during an injury-shortened career.

Thompson Oliha
Personal information
Full name Thompson Oliha
Date of birth (1968-10-04)4 October 1968
Place of birth Benin City, Nigeria
Date of death 30 June 2013(2013-06-30) (aged 44)
Place of death Ilorin, Nigeria
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1985–1987 Bendel Insurance
1988–1991 Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1992–1994 Africa Sports
1994–1995 Maccabi Ironi Ashdod 21 (1)
1995–1996 Antalyaspor 20 (4)
International career
1988–1994 Nigeria 31 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

edit

Oliha played for Bendel Insurance (1985–1987), Iwuanyanwu Nationale (1988–1991), Africa Sports (1992–1993), Maccabi Ironi Ashdod (1993–1994) and Antalyaspor (1994–1995).[1][2] As a player, he was known for his powerful shots and abilities in the air. Oliha retired at the age of 27, as a result of a serious knee injury.[3]

International career

edit

Oliha made a total of 31 appearances for the full Nigeria national team, scoring two goals. He made his international debut in 1988, in a game against Cameroon and made his last appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, as a late substitute against Italy.[4]

Oliha also played at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.[citation needed]

Death

edit

Oliha died due to complications from malaria on 30 June 2013. At the time of his death he was an assistant coach for the Kwara Football Academy.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "THOMPSON OLİHA". Turkish Football Federation. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  2. ^ Thompson Oliha at National-Football-Teams.com
  3. ^ "Nigerians 're too impatient – Oliha". Sunday Champion. Archived from the original on 25 September 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  4. ^ Thompson OlihaFIFA competition record (archived)
  5. ^ Thompson Oliha is dead - Supersport.com
edit