Thompson Oliha

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

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.

Club career

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

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]}