20-year-old Nigerian footballer Paul Julius Goewam has tragically died after his car crashed in Cyprus.
Julius had recently signed a professional contract with Enosis Neon Paralimni, a Cypriot football club, just three weeks before the fatal accident.
The accident occurred on the Paralimni-Protaras road near Pernera at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20. According to the Cyprus Police, Julius was driving his car when it collided head-on with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the other car, a 74-year-old man whose name has not been released, sustained injuries and is currently being treated at a local hospital. However, his condition is not considered critical.
Paul Julius hailed from Plateau State, Nigeria. His football journey had taken him from the Nigerian football scene to Egypt, where he played for the Egyptian side El Gaish. He eventually moved to Europe, where he signed with Enosis Neon Paralimni, a club competing in the Cypriot First Division.
The news of Julius’ death came as a shock to Enosis Neon Paralimni. The club released an emotional statement on their official website, expressing their deep sorrow at losing their young player.
“It is with deep sadness and pain that we express our sincere condolences on the unexpected loss of our footballer Paul Julius,” the club’s statement read. “The tragic news of his death has shocked us all. Despite the hardships and sufferings he faced to join our family, he remained steadfast and determined to fulfill his goals.”
The statement continued, “His memory will live on in our hearts, and his absence will be felt. We are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation by the Famagusta Traffic Department. Authorities have appealed to any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the accident to come forward with information that could assist in the investigation.
Julius’ death is not just a loss to Enosis Neon Paralimni but to the entire football and Nigerian community.
As the investigation continues, tributes have begun to pour in from around the world, celebrating the life of a young footballer whose career was tragically cut short.
