Although details of his death were unavailable yesterday, Atuegbu, known for power-packed shots in his glorious days in the Green Eagles, was said to have suffered a stroke early yesterday in Keffi, Nasarawa State where he was a coach and died some hours later.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano yesterday, where host Kano Pillars played JUTH FC, a one-minute silence was observed in Atuegbu's honour. Some of the players and fans were seen weeping while others discussed in hush tones what could have happened to the star who played alongside skipper Christian Chukwu, Emma Okala, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amiesiemaka and others of victorious Green Eagles squad of the 1980s.

When The Guardian contacted Emmanuel Okala yesterday, the former Green Eagles goalkeeper said he heard the news but could not confirm it. But he staid that Atuegbu was said to have suffered stroke in the early hours of yesterday.

He later said that Atuegbu's sister confirmed that he had died. He also said that his elder brother was contacted but he was yet to confirm the death.
Atuegbu was also a member of the Green Eagles squad to the 1978 African Nations Cup in Ghana and the All African Games in Algeria. The Rangers International of Enugu of the 1970s and 80s was his team.

Named the assistant coach of the Under-17 national team in 2002, he was sacked alongside the head coach, Ganiyu Salami, in 2003 due to poor results.
He got the national honour, Member of the Order of the Nigeria (MON) with other players such as Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, the late Muda Lawal for winning the 1980 Nations Cup.

Nigerian Football Association (NFA) spokesman, Ademola Olajire, when contacted said he also heard the news but could not confirm where the deceased died. He was so inconsolable.

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God first, family second and career third.
www.marykay.com/adanna

Rip

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God first, family second and career third.
www.marykay.com/adanna

..he was a very very good defender for Nigeria.I recall when I was young and following the game by transistor radio if I happen to be where there's no tv,his name always comes up along with Christian Chukwu,Segun Odegbami,Okey Isima,Felix Owolabi(Owo Blow),Emmanueal Okala,Tunde Bamidele,Sam Ojebode,Bala Ahmed and Adokie Amesiemeka as prominent Nigerian footballers.May he rest in perfect peace,as he's put smiles on the faces of many of us soccer loving Nigerians,thanks Alloysius..
Pa

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....Perception Is Everything....

Pa

PaJ only u

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God first, family second and career third.
www.marykay.com/adanna

..mai I no lie...football has always been a religion to me O!I started following the Nigerian team when I was about 7...I was in boarding primary school then so finding a tv was like "Muhahahahahaha" but someone had a transistor radio....and we'd gather around it and listen to Nigerian matches...when I was the smallest of the bunch I'd crouch under others who were taller and leaning over the 'stadium' so I can hear the commentary....and boy talk about dramatic commentary.Your heart go dey race because the commentator go make the situation sound dangerous even if the ball still dey for midfield..."Chukwu to Odegbami..Odegbami passes to Alloysius Atuegbu...Atuegbu to Adokie....he dribbles one..dribbles two...lobs a pass to Felix Owolabi...Owolabi runs down the flanks and finds Baba Otu Mohammed...he sends it back to Mathematical Odegbami..he dribbles one..dribbles two..dribbles three...he's going..going..going...HE BEATS HIS MARKER AND OH He's tackled for a throw-in near the center circle..." those were the days maayn....
Pa

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....Perception Is Everything....

Pa

I love the game. I played with the neighborhood boys and still play in novelty matches. Listening to the radio gave more imagination than the live games. How times have changed.

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God first, family second and career third.
www.marykay.com/adanna

Whoo! One of the true Naija football greats of the 70s and early 80s, alongside the likes of Odegbami, Okala, Chukwu etc.

Rest in peace Atuegbu!

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I found the greatest love of all in, J,D,D,& T

..>TMI ...hehehe..but...U know..coed games used to be real funny...and fun... ..one time we had this soccer match ,coed,big girls against little boys....some charity match in my primary school.....and us boys had to play with our hands in our pockets to lessen our advantage...but we still showed skill..regardless.....everytime the girls tried to kick we took the ball from dem,and started passing to ourselves and scoring at will....and the girl's looked very frustrated...until one stray ball went towards one of the girls and instead of kicking it,she picked it put with her hands and the girls started tossing the balls to themselves like handball! We looked @ the ref like "Olboy...wetin dey happen"...but the ref signalled "PLAY ON!"...so..we tried unsuccessfully to get the ball back from the girls....then...one of the girls started running towards our goal with the ball tucked in her forearm.......since we no fit tackle am(she big well well)..one of my friends just jumped on the girl's back like small pikin,but she did not stop! when she approached the goalie somebody screamed "BE MO!!!!"(jump on her too)...but she was on full speed...it was pointless to stop her from scoring...by running into the net...

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....Perception Is Everything....

Pa

and who de tell TMI and who asked you for the above (LOL)

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God first, family second and career third.
www.marykay.com/adanna