- Nigerian boxers demand justice as Oluwasegun Olanrewaju’s body remains in Ghana.
- Delay in repatriation sparks outrage in Nigerian boxing community.
- Family and fans await closure amid ongoing delay in returning ‘Success’ Olanrewaju’s remains.
Over 50 days since the untimely death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju in Ghana, the silence and inaction surrounding the return of his remains have sparked national outrage.
Known in the ring as “Success”, Olanrewaju tragically collapsed during a high-stakes bout against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium’s Bukom Arena on March 29.
He was later confirmed dead at Ghana’s Korle-Bu Hospital. Since then, his body has yet to be returned to Nigeria—leaving family, friends, and the boxing fraternity distraught and demanding answers.
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“We Are Not Valued”: Nigerian Boxers React
Leading voices in Nigerian boxing have condemned what they describe as “negligence” and “disrespect” from both Ghanaian authorities and local sports administrators.
> “It feels like the sports minister doesn’t care about Nigerian boxers,” said professional boxer Taiwo Esepo. “One of us went out to represent the country and died, yet nobody is fighting for justice. If this can happen without consequences, then we’re all at risk.”
Esepo’s frustration echoes a growing sentiment among Nigerian athletes who believe their sacrifices are taken for granted by those in power.
A Fellow Boxer Mourns, the Family Awaits Closure
Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) champion Idowu Rasheed, who once fought Olanrewaju, spoke emotionally about the toll the incident has taken.
> “I fought him once, and his death broke me. I almost quit boxing,” Rasheed shared. “But what’s more heartbreaking is that his body is still in Ghana. His wife and family deserve to bury him, to say goodbye.”
Delayed Justice and Cultural Concerns
Despite a seven-member committee recently submitting a final report on Olanrewaju’s death to Ghana’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kofi Adams, there is still no official word on when the remains will be released.
Also Read: Nigerian Boxer Success Olanrewaju’s Collapse: What Went Wrong
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but Secretary General Remi Aboderin could not offer a clear timeline.
For many, the delay goes beyond administrative sluggishness—it violates deep cultural and religious values.
> “I’m not even that close to him, but this hurts,” said Commonwealth Games medalist Abdul-Afeez Osoba. “According to my faith as a Muslim, he should have been buried immediately. This delay is painful for the family. They cannot heal without closure.”
A Call for Action and Accountability
The case of Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has become more than a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call for the boxing industry and sports governance in Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigerian boxers are now urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, and all relevant agencies to prioritize the repatriation process and ensure justice is served.
This is not just about one fallen athlete.
It’s about preserving the dignity of every Nigerian sportsman who steps into the ring, not knowing what tomorrow might bring.
Conclusion: A Nation Waits
As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Olanrewaju’s grieving family, fans, and fellow athletes continue to wait for answers, for justice, and most importantly, for his body to come home.
Until then, the boxing gloves are not just symbols of sport.
They are symbols of a fight that must continue outside the ring.
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