The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of former youth international Gift Atulewa, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 38 due to complications from high blood pressure.
Delta State Football Association spokesperson Azuka Chiemeka confirmed the tragic news, noting that Atulewa had been managing high blood pressure but experienced a severe health decline recently. “Just last month, he buried his wife, which might have worsened his condition,” Chiemeka said. “On Tuesday morning, around 7 a.m., we lost him.”
Atulewa was recently active in a local ex-international tournament in Delta State, where he scored the opening goal with one of his signature free kicks. He had also completed a coaching course in Cote d’Ivoire, marking his ambition to transition into coaching.
The late Atulewa had a notable career, playing for clubs such as Bayelsa United F.C., Ocean Boys F.C., and Warri Wolves F.C.
He was also a member of Nigeria’s U-20 team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. His passing makes him the third member of that squad to die, following the losses of Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.
