The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, fondly known in the ring as “Success,” arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday evening, nearly three months after his sudden death during a bout in Ghana.
Olanrewaju, 36, tragically collapsed in the ring on March 29 during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Accra. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The arrival of his body was marked by a deeply emotional scene at the airport, where grieving family members, friends, and supporters broke down in tears upon seeing the casket. His wife, Adebusola, and his three sisters, including Rachael, were present.
Officials from the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), and other sympathisers were present to receive the remains. Among the Ghanaian delegation was Abraham Boakye, President of the Ghana National Supporters Union and Vice President of the Africa Football and Other Sports Union.
“We are here in solidarity because our brother came to Ghana to compete and sadly lost his life. We had to be here to mourn with his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Boakye said.
Originally scheduled to arrive by 4:00 p.m., the casket’s release was delayed until 7:15 p.m. due to cargo handling issues, further prolonging the agony of a family that had already endured months of uncertainty and grief.
Board member of the GBA, Gideon Appiah, presented a $3,000 donation to the bereaved family and offered an explanation for the long delay in repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains. According to Appiah, Ghana’s Ministry of Sports had initiated a seven-member investigative committee to look into the circumstances surrounding the boxer’s death, which temporarily halted the repatriation process.
“We didn’t anticipate the investigation would take this long,” Appiah stated. “But once the committee concluded its work, we resumed efforts to return his body home.”
NBBofC President Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, who also serves as President of the Africa Football and Other Sports Union, received the donation on behalf of the family and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the two countries’ boxing authorities.
Lawrence Nwose, Sports Director at CBD Media Group Africa, represented Olanrewaju’s wife at the reception. He praised both the NBBofC and GBA for their unity and cooperation during this difficult time.
“This joint effort symbolizes more than just a return home,” Nwose said. “It reflects a meaningful step toward healing, reconciliation, and renewed strength for everyone affected by this tragedy.”
