Tragedy as third member of iconic 2005 Flying Eagles squad passes away after battle with illness

The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of Gift Atulewa, a former member of the country's celebrated 2005 U-20 Flying Eagles squad, who passed away on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old reportedly succumbed to hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) disease after a long and challenging battle with the illness, marking a sad moment for Nigerian football as another hero from the iconic squad is lost.

Atulewa was a notable member of Nigeria's U-20 team that represented the nation at the 2005 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands.

The Flying Eagles squad from that campaign achieved great success and captured the hearts of Nigerians, making it to the final of the tournament before losing to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

Atulewa played three times on the road to the final alongside several other budding stars like John Obi Mikel and Taiye Taiwo.

While many of them went on to enjoy distinguished careers at club and international levels, Atulewa mainly enjoyed success on the domestic scene, where he played for prominent Nigerian clubs like Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves.

Tragically, Atulewa's passing marks the third loss among the 2005 Flying Eagles squad members.

He follows former teammates Olufemi Adebayo and team captain Isaac Promise, both of whom also passed away far too soon.

The 2005 team remains one of Nigeria’s most memorable and productive youth squads, with several members going on to represent the senior Super Eagles side for many years.

Atulewa’s passing has left many reflecting on his contributions to the team and his journey in Nigerian football, with tributes pouring in from fans, former teammates, and the broader Nigerian football community.