Thompson Oliha
Nigerian footballer (1968-2013)
Nigeria
Midfielder
Thompson Oliha: profile
Thompson Oliha (born 4 October 1968 in Benin City, Nigeria) was a Nigerian footballer who played as a midfielder. He died on 30 June 2013.
Oliha made the step into senior football with Bendel Insurance F.C. in 1985. He played for 5 clubs in 4 countries between 1985 and 1996. His most appearances came at Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. (1994–1995), where he made 21 appearances and scored 1 goal. Across all recorded club spells he totals 41 appearances and 5 goals.
At international level, Oliha represented Nigeria (1988–1994), earning 31 caps and scoring 2 goals. Our match database lists 1 of his international goals; the first came against Ivory Coast on 25 September 1993 (World Cup Qualification).
Benin City has produced 42 footballers in our database, including Yakubu, Victor Ikpeba and Julius Aghahowa.
Key facts
- Senior international debut
- 1988 (aged about 20)
- First international goal
- 1993 – aged 24 (match)
- Club career
- 1985–1996 (12 seasons)
- Countries played in
- 4: Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Israel and Turkey
- Club goals per game
- 0.12 (5 in 41)
- Height
- 177 cm — taller than 36% of Nigerian internationals on record
- Latest move
- Antalyaspor (1995)
- Shares a birthday with
- Moussa Wagué, Jackson Muleka and Ahmed Reda Madouni (more)
Club career
| Years | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–1987 | Bendel Insurance F.C. |
Nigeria National League | – | – |
| 1988–1991 | Heartland F.C. |
Nigeria Premier Football League | – | – |
| 1992–1994 |  Africa Sports d'Abidjan |
Ligue 1 | – | – |
| 1994–1995 |  Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. |
Liga Alef | 21 | 1 |
| 1995–1996 |  Antalyaspor |
TFF First League | 20 | 4 |
| Total | 41 | 5 |
Appearances and goals are league figures where recorded on Wikidata; “–” means not recorded.
International career
| Years | Team | Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988–1994 | Nigeria |
Senior | 31 | 2 |
International goals (1)
| # | Date | Match | Min | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 Sep 1993 | Nigeria 4–1 Ivory Coast | 20 | World Cup Qualification |
*Goals listed are those present in our match-by-match goal database, which is most complete for tournament matches.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Thompson Oliha born?
Thompson Oliha was born in Benin City, Nigeria.
Which national team does Thompson Oliha play for?
Thompson Oliha played international football for Nigeria. He has 31 caps and 2 goals on record.
Which clubs has Thompson Oliha played for?
Thompson Oliha's recorded clubs are Bendel Insurance F.C., Heartland F.C., Africa Sports d'Abidjan, Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. and Antalyaspor.
How tall is Thompson Oliha?
Thompson Oliha is 177 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall.
What position does Thompson Oliha play?
Thompson Oliha played as a midfielder.
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