Super Eagles hot shot – Oliha is dead

A member of the all-conquering Super Eagles of Nigeria that held sway in the early 1990s is dead.

The Eagle in question is Thompson Oliha. The prolific defensive midfielder, renowned for packing a lethal shot and his aerial prowess, was reported to have departed the world of the living from a private hospital in Ilorin, Kwara state of Nigeria.

Until his death on Sunday (30th June, 2013) morning, he was employed as a coach by the Kwara state government where he functioned as a member of the coaching team Kwara State Football Academy.

He was reported to have been on the bench when Kwara (State) Football Academy team played a team from Mali. He was said to have complained ill and taken to the hospital.
Though he was aged 44 years, he had an early re
tirement from the Eagles and from football at the age of 27 years following a knee injury that cost him his career. By that time, he had played two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (1992 and 1994).

He was a member of the 1994 Super Eagles team that conquered Africa. Oliha played for Bendel Insurance (1985-1987), Iwuanyanwu Nationale (1988-1991), Africa Sports (1992-1993), Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. (1993-1994) and Antalyaspor (1994-1995).

Confirming his death, Bunmi Adedoyin, Kwara State Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) said Oliha died from an undisclosed ailment. It was however later reported that he died from malaria complications.

It is sad to note that he is the third player from the Super Eagles African champions squad to have passed on. Others before him are defender, Uche Okafor and striker, Rashidi Yekini.

Reacting to this news, the Confederation of African Football President, Issa Hayatou, was reported to have sent his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation. President Hayatou highlighted his sadness and Africa’s football family’s sorrow about the passing away of the former Super Eagles player.

Coach Stephen Keshi, speaking to BBC Sport, was quoted as saying: “I’m completely devastated by the passing of Thompson Oliha.”
“It is with a heavy heart that realisation of what I hoped were just rumours are now, in fact, true.”

He was in the Super Eagles squad at the 1994 World Cup in the United States – Nigeria’s first appearance in the global event.
“Thompson was quiet, selfless, dedicated and friendly. I feel proud to have played alongside him in the colours of Nigeria. “

“My prayers and condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time,” Keshi said.