LAGOS, Nov 12 (AGCNewsNet) – The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of former youth international Gift Atulewa, who passed away at the age of 38 due to complications from high blood pressure. The news was confirmed by Delta State Football Association spokesperson Azuka Chiemeka, who shared that Atulewa succumbed to his condition at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to Mr. Chiemeka, Atulewa had been managing high blood pressure for some time, though his health reportedly worsened shortly after he contracted malaria. "We just buried his wife last month, which may have contributed to his condition," Chiemeka revealed, noting that the situation deteriorated despite medical intervention.

Atulewa was active in the football community until recently. He participated in an ex-international football tournament in Delta State, where he scored the opening goal for his team three weeks ago. Known for his impressive free-kick skills, he had remained involved in the sport even as he transitioned into coaching.

Beginning his professional career with Bayelsa United F.C., Atulewa also played for Ocean Boys F.C. and Warri Wolves F.C. He represented Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands as part of the U-20 national team. Sadly, Atulewa’s passing marks the third death among that team’s players, following the earlier losses of Olufemi Adebayo and Isaac Promise.

Atulewa recently returned from Cote d'Ivoire, where he completed a coaching course, yet he will not have the chance to apply his new qualifications.