Body of late Nigerian boxer arrives in Lagos amid tears

After nearly three months of emotional turmoil and diplomatic hurdles, the body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju  fondly known in the ring as “Success”  was finally returned home on Tuesday, June 17.

The 28-year-old pugilist tragically lost his life during a boxing match in Ghana, a shocking incident that sparked an outpouring of grief and prompted widespread calls for proper investigations and repatriation of his remains. His death triggered a series of diplomatic and procedural efforts that delayed his return, making his homecoming both solemn and symbolic.

Olanrewaju’s body arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where a crowd of mourners gathered to pay their final respects.

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Among those present were his grieving family members, fellow boxers, friends, and supporters who had followed his story closely. Representatives from the Ghana National Supporters Union, the Nigeria Supporters Club, and a large contingent of journalists were also on hand to witness the somber occasion.

There were tears, tributes, and several songs rendered as people patiently waited for the casket carrying Olanrewaju’s body to be finally released to the anxious crowd.

Supporters from both Ghana and Nigeria stood in solidarity, waving flags and mourning together in honour of the fallen fighter.

“This is a sad day for Nigerian sports,” said Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C). “But we are glad Segun has 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.

Olanrewaju died on 29 March after collapsing during a lightweight boxing match against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. He was pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital shortly after the incident.

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.

A scathing report concluded that the fight should never have taken place under such conditions. The revelations sparked public outrage and diplomatic interventions that eventually led to the clearance for Olanrewaju’s body to be returned to Nigeria.

As part of a goodwill gesture, the Ghana Boxing Authority contributed a total of $3,000 to the late boxer’s family. This included $1,500 from his unpaid fight purse and an additional $1,500 from the Ghana Boxing Federation to assist with funeral expenses.

The cash donation was made at the airport.

Olanrewaju’s body was taken from the airport directly to his family home, avoiding further delays or additional stops at any mortuary. Plans are underway for his burial.