Grief strikes as Former Flying Eagles star passes away aged 38

The Nigerian football community is grieving the loss of Gift Atulewa, a valued member of the nation’s renowned 2005 U-20 Flying Eagles squad, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 38.

Atulewa lost his battle with hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) disease, leaving behind a legacy as part of a team that captured the imagination of football fans across Nigeria.

He was a key player for the Flying Eagles during the 2005 FIFA World Cup held in the Netherlands, where the team achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the finals, ultimately falling to an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi.

Throughout the tournament, Atulewa made three appearances alongside notable teammates such as John Obi Mikel and Taiye Taiwo, contributing to the squad’s impressive run.

While many of his peers have experienced successful careers internationally and at the club level, Atulewa primarily made his mark in the domestic leagues, representing respected Nigerian teams like Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves.

Tragically, Atulewa’s passing represents the third loss within the 2005 Flying Eagles squad, following the untimely deaths of former teammates Olufemi Adebayo and team captain Isaac Promise.

The 2005 U-20 squad is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most iconic teams, with numerous players going on to represent the senior national side for years to come. In the wake of Atulewa’s death, tributes have begun to pour in from fans, former teammates, and the wider Nigerian football community, honoring his contributions to the sport and his journey in football.