Nigerian Boxers Express Outrage as Oluwasegun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju’s Body Remains in Ghana Over 50 Days After Death

The Nigerian boxing community is expressing deep frustration and sorrow over the continued delay in repatriating the body of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, known in the ring as “Success,” who tragically died during a bout in Ghana on March 29, 2025. More than 50 days after his passing, his remains are still in Ghana, leaving his family and fellow boxers in anguish.

Olanrewaju collapsed in the third round of a light heavyweight match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Professional boxer Taiwo Esepo voiced his disappointment, stating, “It feels as though the sports ministry does not value Nigerian boxers. It’s as if we don’t matter to them.”

United Boxing Organization champion Idowu Rasheed, who had previously faced Olanrewaju in the ring, shared his sorrow: “His death shook me deeply. I even thought of quitting boxing. Now, 50 days later, his family still hasn’t seen his body. That’s not right.”

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) confirmed that discussions took place on Monday but did not provide a firm timeline for when the remains would be repatriated.

Commonwealth Games medalist Abdul-Afeez Osoba also expressed concern over the delay, emphasizing the importance of timely burial in accordance with religious practices.

The prolonged wait continues to fuel outrage among Nigeria’s boxing community, who say silence and inaction from authorities only deepen their sense of abandonment.