Football stakeholders and fans across Nigeria are mourning the loss of former Nigeria U-20 international Gift Atulewa, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 38. The ex-Bayelsa United striker, known for his role in Nigeria’s silver-winning squad at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, succumbed to complications related to blood pressure, just a month after losing his wife.
The Delta State Football Association confirmed the sad news, revealing that Atulewa had been battling high blood pressure. “He has been managing the condition, but it worsened the day before yesterday. He was taken to the hospital, where they also detected malaria. Despite efforts, his blood pressure kept rising, and we lost him at 7 a.m.,” a spokesperson said.
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues. Award-winning journalist Shina Oludare expressed heartbreak on social media, saying, “Gift was part of Nigeria’s silver-winning squad at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but sadly, his career never fully recovered after that.”
Fans remembered him fondly, with Abel Onuwa calling him a “jolly fellow and a free giver,” and Yomi Caesar praising his set-piece mastery, writing, “So sad, coach Atulewa free kick merchant. Rest in peace.”
Atulewa’s career spanned several Nigerian clubs, including Ocean Boys and Warri Wolves. He retired in 2016 and had recently completed a coaching course in Ivory Coast. Known for his free-kick expertise, he remained active in football, recently scoring a stunning goal in a Delta State tournament featuring ex-internationals.
The former striker’s death marks the third loss among the 2005 Flying Eagles squad, following the deaths of Olufemi Adebayo and team captain Isaac Promise. Fans and football officials have expressed their sorrow, noting the immense talent and charisma Atulewa brought to the game.
“His passing is a huge loss to the football community. He was not only a great player but also an inspiring figure to young talents,” added the Delta FA spokesperson.
