Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have mourned the death of the former Nigerian international Thompson Oliha who passed on June 30 due to complications from malaria.

The late 44-year-old assistant coach of Kwara Football Academy died at a hospital in Ilorin where he was rushed to after slumbering in his house.

NFF General secretary Musa Amadu  said that the death of the former midfielder is a great loss to Nigerian football as Oliha's critics on Nigerian football were always constructive and useful.

"This is a tragedy of huge proportions. Oliha was one of the best midfielders to have played for Nigeria. His comments and analyses on Nigeria football over the years have been quite informed and useful," mtnfootball.com quoted Amadu.

"The Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigeria football family mourn Oliha's passing. He was certainly one of the nation's greats and acquitted himself brilliantly in the national colours. Now, we have lost another member of the Golden Generation, following the deaths of Uche Okafor and Rashidi Yekini."  Amadu said.

Born October 4, 1968 in Benin City Nigeria, Oliha started his senior career with Bendel Insurance (1985-1987) in the Nigerian National league before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale (1988-1991), Africa Sports (1992-1993), Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. (1993-1994) and Antalyaspor (1994-1995).

In his 31 caps for the Super Eagles Oliha captured the minds of Nigerians with his powerful shots and his amazing skills in the air.

He was forced to end his promising career at the age of 27 due a serious knee injury.