Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, has called on the Federal Government to give ex-Super Eagles playmaker, Thompson Oliha, a state burial.
Siasia said that such gesture will assure footballers that their efforts are appreciated.
The former Under-23 national team handler described late Oliha as a perfect gentleman, who worked hard to give his best to the country when he was in the national team.
Siasia believed that Oliha’s sterling performance in 1994 assisted the Super Eagles win some important matches, stressing that his demise came as a surprise after losing former teammates, Rashidi Yekini and Uche Okafor, to the cold hands of death.
He said: “I heard the news of Oliha’s death while I was at the Church. I couldn’t believe my ears so I had to call his brother who confirmed it to me.
“Oliha was a perfect gentleman who worked hard to give his best during his days in the Super Eagles. After the demise of Uche Okafor and Rasheedi Yekini, Oliha became the third person in the 1994 squad we have lost.
“Yekini and Okafor served the nation with all their hearts were not given state burials. The government did not even provide their families with any incentives, which I believe is sad development for soccer in this country.
“It shows that the government don’t respect footballers that gave their best and win laurels for this country
“Federal Government should give Oliha a state burial. This is the only way the younger generations of footballers will appreciate the country and keep fighting hard to win more laurels for the country. They should also stretch their hand of fellowship towards ex-internationals who served the nation.”
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