Departed 1994 Nations Cup Eagle Thompson Oliha exhibited so much energy that former Abia state governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu believed the star could not die young.
Eulogising Oliha, Kalu recalled an incident in 1988 when the player, starring for Iwuanyanwu Nationale[now Heartland] was unconscious for nearly 24 hours.
“It was at the June 17 Stadium Constantine, Algeria. Iwuanyanwu were away to Entente Petroles Setif of Algeria in the CAF Champion’s Cup Grand-Finale. Oliha came in for Law Ukegbu in the 65th minute and was ready to do or die. The Algerians went after him, and in five minutes, he was injured.
Late Oliha
Oliha had seven stitches on his face and was unconscious thereafter. As soon as he came tomeet him, the young man was more concerned about the Cup loss than his health”, the ex-governor said.
Kalu again drove down memory lane in his tribute to Oliha who was called Tommy by friends.
“From Owerri, he moved to Abidjan to join Africa Sports in 1992. Same year , with Gabriel Okolosi, they won the Africa Winners Cup beating Vital’o of Burundi 5-1 aggregate. Oliha emerged the second highest scorer with threegoals, behind Okolosi’s eight. On January 10, 1993 the duo became the first to win the Super Cup”, Kalu added.
“Oliha was so strong and friendly. At Senegal ’92, few hours to the semis between Nigeria and Ghana, he bumped into his Iwuanyanwu team mate and Black Star Edward Ansah in their Dakar hotel.
‘Eddie Murphy’, Oliha screamed as they embraced, talking less about their clash. I am sure his friends all over Africa will miss him, just like all of us”, Kalu said.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/day-oliha-dared-death-kalu/