Late Nigerian Boxer Segun Olanrewaju’s Body Arrives From Ghana

The body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, who died during a match in Ghana, has finally arrived in Lagos.

His remains were brought back home on Tuesday, June 17, after weeks of waiting by his family, friends, and the Nigerian boxing community.

Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” collapsed during a fight in Accra, Ghana, on March 29.

He died shortly after at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

Since then, his family and Nigerian sports officials have been working to bring his body back to Nigeria.

—Emotional Scene at Lagos Airport

Many people were at the airport in Lagos to welcome the late boxer home. Those present included members of the Ghana National Supporters Union, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, his family, friends, fellow boxers, and journalists.

There were tears, hugs, and prayers as his coffin was taken from the plane. An ambulance carried the body straight to his family’s house, where preparations for his burial are now being made.

“We are sad, but we are happy that Segun is finally home and can be buried with respect,” said Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C).

—What Happened to Segun?

Segun died after taking part in a boxing match with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu. The fight took place at the Trust Sports Emporium in Bukom, Accra.

After collapsing in the ring, he did not get immediate medical help and later passed away.

A report from a seven-member team in Ghana revealed that the fight was poorly handled. It showed that Segun did not get the required medical checks before the match.

The report also said no qualified doctor was present at the fight venue when he collapsed.

—Money for the Family

To support Segun’s family, the Ghana Boxing Authority provided $3,000. This includes $1,500 from the fight purse and another $1,500 from the Ghana Boxing Federation.While the money cannot bring Segun back, it is a small help toward funeral costs and shows some responsibility from the Ghanaian side.

Experts say medical checks and proper doctors must be present at every boxing event.

Ekow Asmah, a Ghanaian journalist and member of the investigation team, said: “There was no licensed doctor at the fight. That should never happen.”The Nigerian Boxing Board has promised to push for better safety rules to protect fighters in the future.

—A Hero’s Goodbye

The NBB of C has made it clear that Segun will be given a proper farewell. Officials said they do not want his body moved to another mortuary but taken straight from the airport to his family.

“We want to honour him properly — as a fighter and a hero,” Mr Ladipo said.

Segun Olanrewaju is gone, but his death has left a strong message: more must be done to protect athletes who put their lives on the line in the ring.