Former Nigeria U-20 international and FIFA World Cup silver medalist Gift Atulewa has passed away at the age of 38. He died in the early hours of November 12 due to complications from high blood pressure.
Azuka Chiemeka, spokesperson for the Delta State Football Association, confirmed the news to Premium Times, stating that Atulewa passed away around 7 a.m. Chiemeka noted that Atulewa’s health may have been affected by the recent loss of his wife, which occurred just a month ago.
Despite managing his blood pressure, Atulewa’s condition deteriorated in the days leading up to his death. Doctors discovered he had malaria, but his blood pressure continued to rise, leading to his untimely passing.
Reflecting on Atulewa’s recent involvement in football, Chiemeka shared that Atulewa had participated in an ongoing ex-international football tournament in Delta State. He scored the tournament’s opening goal with a stunning free kick about three weeks ago.
Atulewa had also just returned from Côte d’Ivoire, where he completed a coaching course, though he will not have the opportunity to use his new qualification.
Atulewa began his career at Bayelsa United F.C., before moving to Ocean Boys F.C. and Warri Wolves F.C., where he became a key player. He was part of the Nigerian U-20 team that secured a silver medal at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Tragically, Atulewa becomes the third member of that squad to pass away, following Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.
