Another Nigerian Football Star Is Dead
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Loading... - Lawal Suleiman
- 13 Nov 2024
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The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of former youth international Gift Atulewa, who has passed away at the age of 38. The news was confirmed by Azuka Chiemeka, spokesperson for the Delta State Football Association, in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES.
According to Mr. Azuka, Atulewa succumbed to complications related to high blood pressure early on Tuesday morning at around 7 a.m. He had been managing blood pressure issues for some time, but his condition worsened shortly before his passing. "We just buried the wife last month, that may have contributed to this development," Azuka noted. He explained that Atulewa had been taken to the hospital after his condition deteriorated, where it was discovered that he also had malaria. Despite medical attention, his blood pressure continued to rise, leading to his untimely death.
Reflecting on Atulewa's recent activities, Azuka mentioned that he was actively involved in football, participating in an ex-international tournament in Delta State. Just three weeks prior to his death, Atulewa had scored the first goal of the tournament with a remarkable free kick, showcasing his enduring talent on the field. He was also noted to have recently returned from Cote d'Ivoire, where he completed a coaching course, although he will not have the opportunity to utilize his new qualifications.
Gift Atulewa began his professional career with Bayelsa United F.C. before moving to Ocean Boys F.C. and later Warri Wolves F.C., where he made significant contributions to the team. He was a member of the Nigerian U-20 team that participated in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Netherlands. Tragically, Atulewa becomes the third member of that U-20 squad to pass away, following the deaths of Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.
Atulewa's passing is a significant loss to the Nigerian football community, which continues to grapple with the impact of losing talented players who have contributed to the sport both on and off the field. His legacy will be remembered by fans, teammates, and the broader football fraternity in Nigeria.
