A solemn Tuesday evening unfolded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport as the body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, known as “Success,” finally returned home, nearly three months after his tragic death in Ghana. The 36-year-old collapsed and died on March 29 during a bout against Jon Mbanugu in Accra, and was pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The scene at the airport was heartbreaking, with Olanrewaju's wife, Adebusola, and his three sisters, including Rachael, overcome with grief upon seeing his coffin.
Officials from both the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) were present to offer their condolences. Leading the Ghanaian delegation was Abraham Boakye, President of the Ghana National Supporters Union and Vice President of the Africa Football and Other Sports Union, who expressed solidarity with the grieving family. The flight carrying Olanrewaju's remains was scheduled to land at 4:00 p.m., but delays in cargo handling meant the casket wasn't released until 7:15 p.m., prolonging the family's painful wait for closure.
Gideon Appiah, a GBA board member, presented a $3,000 donation to the bereaved family and shed light on the delay in returning the body. He explained that Ghana’s Sports Ministry had formed a seven-member investigative committee, which put the repatriation process on hold. Once the committee concluded its work, efforts to send Olanrewaju’s body home resumed. Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President of the NBBofC and the Africa Football and Other Sports Union, received the donation and praised the cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana. Lawrence Nwose, Sports Director at CBD Media Group Africa, representing the late boxer’s wife, also commended the joint efforts of both boxing authorities, viewing it as a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.
