Former Nigerian U-20 international and FIFA World Cup silver medalist Gift Atulewa has passed away at age 38 due to complications from high blood pressure. The tragic news was confirmed by Delta State Football Association spokesperson Azuka Chiemeka, who reported that Atulewa died early this morning, November 12, around 7 a.m.
Chiemeka shared that the recent passing of Atulewa’s wife may have exacerbated his health issues. "He had been managing high blood pressure, but his condition worsened a couple of days ago," Chiemeka explained. "Despite treatment for both blood pressure and malaria, his condition deteriorated, and we lost him this morning."
Atulewa remained active in football even recently, participating in an ex-international tournament in Delta State, where he scored the first goal of the competition just three weeks ago with one of his trademark free kicks. He had also recently returned from Cote d'Ivoire, having completed a coaching course, and had planned to begin using his new qualifications.
Atulewa’s football journey included a strong career with Bayelsa United F.C., Ocean Boys F.C., and Warri Wolves F.C. He also represented Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, earning a silver medal with the team. His passing marks a third loss from that U-20 squad, following the deaths of teammates Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.
