The body of late Thompson Oliha was finally laid to rest at his no. 3 Thompson Oliha Crescent off Edo Street, Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City at about 1.30pm yesterday.

Memorial match was played in his honour by his colleagues led by Austin Eguavoen at the lying- in state at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The match which was played by Edo selected and some members of the 94 squad ended 1-1 apiece.

Also in memory of his last place of work, the 94 squad and some ex internationals were on Kwara football academy jersey while Edo selected were on Insurance Jersey.

In a short remark, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State said the death of Oliha was such a big loss to the people of Edo state and Nigeria in general.

The governor who spoke through the commissioner for youths and sports, Lady Omorede Osifo said that the State will be organizing a yearly Youths football championship, to be called Thompson Oliha Soccer Championship.

The governor also donated 2million to the two kids of Oliha and personally appealed to the family to come to the government house on Monday with the kids where he will present the cheque to them.

On the part of Kwara state governor, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed made a donation of 1million to the kids.

In his speech made by the Kwara State director of sports Mallam Tunde Kazeem expressed the feelings of the government and people of Kwara State over the death of Thompson Oliha.

He condoled the government and people of Edo State, especially the Oliha Family adding that Thompson Oliha was a dedicated and loyal employee of the state government who will be missed by all.

On her part, Perpetua Clement, the admin manager, Kwara football academy described him as a hard working gem.

Nigeria Football Federation represented by Barr. Leye Adepoju and Dr. Chris Emeruwa in their own speech said Thompson Oliha was a loyal, dedicated and respected player in his day at the national team.

They therefore urged the current players in the Super Eagles to learn and emulate the loyalty and dedication of the LATE Thompson Oliha when he played for the senior National Team.

Austin Eguaveon who led the likes of Ben Iroha, Alloy Agu, Emeka Ezeogu and others said that it is regrettable that up till now the 23 of the 94 squad who chose Lagos for their house promises up till now are yet to get their promises from the Federal Government even when the 9 others had already received theirs in Abuja.

Eguaveon further said that he believed that one day the president, Jonathan Goodluck will have the wisdom of God to redeem their image in the eyes of the world.

Immediately the Nigerian Flag and a football that carried the autograph of some of the 94 squad was presented to the son of Thompson Oliha, Jesus Asosa Oliha by the Edo State commissioner for sports Omorede Osifo, the little Oliha however reiterated his commitment to follow his fathers footsteps.

Little Oliha who is in basic four at the high bridge school Lagos said he is already captaining the junior team of the school.

He said he hopes that someday he will wear the green white green.