Rita Odafe
Tragic news has emerged regarding former Nigeria U-20 football international, Gift Atulewa. He has sadly passed away.
Atulewa succumbed to complications related to high blood pressure early on November 12.
His death was confirmed by Azuka Chiemeka, spokesperson for the Delta State Football Association, who reported that the 38-year-old forward died around 7 am.
“We buried his wife just last month, which may have affected him. Though he was managing his blood pressure issues, his condition deteriorated unexpectedly. He was admitted to the hospital two days ago, where they found he also had malaria, but his blood pressure continued to rise, leading to his passing this morning,” stated Mr. Chiemeka.
He remarked on Atulewa’s recent activities, noting;
“There’s currently a former international football tournament occurring in Delta State, and he was actively participating with his team. Remarkably, he scored the tournament’s opening goal with one of his signature free kicks just three weeks prior.”
It’s worth mentioning that Atulewa had recently returned from Cote d’Ivoire after completing a coaching course, a qualification he won’t have the chance to utilize.
Atulewa began his professional journey with Bayelsa United F.C., later playing for Ocean Boys F.C., and then becoming a key player for Warri Wolves F.C. He was also part of the Nigerian U-20 squad that took part in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, Atulewa is now the third player from that 2005 U-20 team to pass away, joining the ranks of Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.
