“Death Is a Real Bitch” — Sunday Oliseh Mourns Brother Lost to Malaria Fever

The Nigerian football community was thrown into mourning as former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, announced the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Uche Levi Oliseh, to malaria fever. The tragic news hit social media early Thursday, where Sunday poured out his raw emotions in a deeply touching post that left many fans and followers stunned and heartbroken.

In a tweet that carried the weight of sorrow, Oliseh wrote:

"Sadly I lost my brother, Uche Levi Oliseh on Thursday after a brief illness with Malaria fever. It hurts so bad, like I have never felt before. I have over a million things that I would wanna talk, laugh and do with Uche, but sadly I cannot anymore. Damn, death is a real bitch..."

The emotional message came with no filters, capturing the depth of his pain and the cruel reality of losing a loved one to a disease that remains tragically common in many parts of Africa. For Oliseh, a national hero and football legend who once wore the green and white jersey with pride and stood tall on the international stage, this loss has visibly left a scar that football glory can’t soothe.

Uche Levi Oliseh was not just a sibling. He was a friend, a confidant, and a vital part of Sunday’s life journey. Although not much is publicly known about Uche’s personal life or career, it’s clear from Sunday’s words that their bond was deep — forged through laughter, shared dreams, and an unspoken understanding that only siblings truly grasp.

Fans and fellow Nigerians have taken to social media to express their condolences. The replies to Oliseh’s post were filled with words of comfort and prayer emojis, many shocked at how malaria — a disease that should be preventable and treatable in the 21st century — continues to claim lives.

Malaria, caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, remains a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 600,000 people die from malaria each year, the vast majority of them in Africa. And despite progress in treatment and prevention, access to adequate healthcare, early diagnosis, and effective treatment remains a significant challenge in many parts of the continent.

This loss adds a personal face to a health crisis that rarely makes headlines until someone famous is directly affected. Sunday Oliseh’s tweet isn’t just a cry of grief — it is an unintentional spotlight on the persistent reality of malaria in Nigeria, where lives continue to be cut short in the most painful and sudden ways.

For Oliseh, known for his passionate demeanor on and off the pitch, this grief hits a different note. A man who has often spoken with strength and conviction now opens up in public vulnerability, reminding the world that grief does not spare the mighty.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fans, players, coaches, and sports organizations across the globe. Many shared their memories of Sunday during his Super Eagles days and extended their heartfelt condolences for his family's loss.

“Rest well, Uche. May your soul find peace,” one fan wrote. “Coach Sunday, please stay strong. We are praying for you.”

In the midst of his loss, Oliseh's post has triggered a fresh round of conversations online about malaria awareness, the importance of early treatment, and the need for better healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria. While the nation mourns with him, many are also calling on health authorities and government agencies to re-strategize on malaria prevention.

For now, though, Sunday Oliseh grieves like any brother would — painfully, openly, and with a heart heavy with dreams left undone.

As the football legend continues to receive support, one can only hope that he finds the strength to heal from this profound loss. Death, as he put it with unflinching honesty, is a real bitch. But through the pain, his words echo the silent grief of many who have lost loved ones to something that should be preventable.

Rest in peace, Uche Levi Oliseh.