Former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu believes the Nigerian government has not done “too good” in honouring its pledge to late midfielder, Thompson Oliha, after helping the Super Eagles to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
Oliha, who died in the early hours of Sunday, was promised a house by the Nigerian government at the time but the pledge was not redeemed.
Chukwu, the first Nigerian captain to lift the AFCON trophy in ‘Algeria 80,’ spoke to supersport.com about the situation.
“To be honest, this is not too good,” said the 62-year-old. “He has not received the house he was promised for helping Nigeria win the Nations Cup in 1994. Now he has died and I don’t know if it is not too late for him to be given that house.”
Oliha made a total of 31 appearances for the full Nigeria national football team, scoring two goals. He made his international debut in 1990, in a game against Senegal and made his last appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, as a late substitute against Italy. He retired at the age of 27 as a result of serious injury.
Chukwu was assistant coach to Clemens Westerhof in the 1994 Nations Cup hosted by Tunisia. He went on to loud the qualities of the late Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) midfielder.
“Oliha was a perfect example in training and matches as he was always hard working but found the time to exchange banter with players and coaches alike.
“He only left for Europe after the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations but even when he was based in Nigeria, he was still a first choice as the European-based players found it almost impossible to outwit him in training and matches,” Chukwu added.
“It s a sad loss and we will miss him greatly.”
