The long-awaited Segun Olanrewaju body return will take place next week, according to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC). Its president, Rafiu Ladipo, confirmed that both Nigerian and Ghanaian officials finalized all procedures required for the repatriation.
Ladipo assured the public that efforts by Nigerian authorities ensured the boxer’s remains would arrive home with full dignity. His family, fans, and the boxing community have waited over two months for closure.
Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” collapsed during a boxing match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu on March 29. The fight happened at the Trust Sports Emporium Arena in Accra. Doctors at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital later confirmed his death.
His passing triggered national mourning and raised serious questions about boxing safety in Ghana. Investigators soon uncovered multiple failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), including a lack of medical supervision and proper licensing.
Legal processes slowed the Segun Olanrewaju body return, with Ghana’s authorities invoking the Coroner’s Act. The Ministry of Youth and Sports required a full report before allowing repatriation. That investigation took weeks to complete but eventually cleared both countries to proceed.
A seven-member committee led by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio investigated the incident. The group interviewed 30 individuals connected to the fight and compiled a 100-page report. Their findings showed that Olanrewaju had an enlarged heart, a common condition among athletes. However, they couldn’t determine the exact trigger of his fatal collapse.
Committee member and boxing journalist Ekow Asmah explained that the lack of a medical professional at ringside worsened the situation. Olanrewaju had not undergone the required medical checks before the match. Worse still, the person who entered the ring pretending to be a doctor turned out to be an imposter.
The GBA received strong criticism for violating international safety protocols. The investigative team concluded that the fight should never have taken place under those conditions. They called for reforms and urged Ghana to take full responsibility for the situation.
Ghana has agreed to cover all repatriation and funeral expenses. This decision shows a commitment to regional solidarity and accountability. The NBBofC also requested an official copy of the report to help guide future regulatory improvements in Nigeria.
This tragic incident has exposed major gaps in African boxing governance. As the Segun Olanrewaju body return approaches, many hope the lessons learned will lead to safer practices for athletes across the continent.
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