The corpse of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success who tragically died during a bout in Ghana, arrived his home country Nigeria on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, nearly three months of diplomatic and procedural efforts.
Penpushing reports that the remains of the 28-year-old boxer, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where a crowd of mourners had gathered to pay their final respects.
The Ghana National Supporters Union, the Nigeria Supporters Club, Olanrewaju’s family members, friends, fellow boxers, and a host of journalists who have followed the tragic case from the beginning were at the airport to receive the body.
Penpushing further reports that symphatizers could not hold back tears as the remains of Olanrewaju finally released to the anxious crowd, and this followed tributes, with several songs rendered.
The supporters from both Ghana and Nigeria stood in solidarity, waving flags and mourning together in honour of the fallen fighter, among them was Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C).
Penpushing also reports that President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) lamented that this was a sad day for Nigerian sports, however, consoled that the board was glad that the remains were finally returned home and can now be buried with dignity.
The repatriation marks the conclusion of a long, painful wait for the family, who had been caught in a web of delays caused by legal, medical, and diplomatic formalities between Ghana and Nigeria.
Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that Olanrewaju died on March 29, 2025 after collapsing during a lightweight boxing match against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.
The boxer was pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital shortly after the incident, and in the aftermath, investigations by a seven-member Ghanaian committee revealed serious lapses by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), including the failure to conduct mandatory pre-fight medical examinations and the absence of certified medical personnel at ringside.
Penpushing also reports that a scathing report concluded that the fight should never have taken place under such conditions, and the revelations sparked public outrage and diplomatic interventions that eventually led to the clearance for Olanrewaju’s body to be returned to Nigeria.
The Ghana Boxing Authority as part of goodwill gesture contributed a total of $3,000 to the late boxer’s family, while this included $1,500 from his unpaid fight purse and an additional $1,500 from the Ghana Boxing Federation to assist with funeral expenses.
Penpushing reports that the cash donation was made at the airport, while Olanrewaju’s body was taken from the airport directly to his family home, avoiding further delays or additional stops at any mortuary, and as at the time of filing this report plans are underway for his burial.
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