Relief for Family as Late Nigerian Boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju’s Remains Set to Arrive Nigeria

The family of late Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has expressed a deep sense of relief as confirmation arrives that his body will be repatriated to Nigeria on Tuesday, nearly three months after his tragic passing in Ghana.

Speaking with emotion, Olanrewaju’s mother said the family is still uncertain about the exact time of arrival but feels consoled that the long and painful wait is finally drawing to a close.

Thank God they are bringing him home on Tuesday. We don’t yet know whether it will be in the morning or evening, but we are grateful that he is finally coming,she said.

While the grief remains raw, she emphasized that having his body back would provide some sense of closure.

Even when he arrives, I know I won’t feel okay immediately, but they should just bring him home so we can lay him to rest. That’s all I want now for him to have peace,she added.

Preparations are underway, with some family members expected to travel to the airport, while others will wait at their residence in Ota, Ogun State, where the boxer will be buried.

Some of us will go to receive his body at the airport, while the rest will wait in Ota. As soon as he arrives, we will bury him,she explained.

The exact date of the burial will depend on the time the remains arrive either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

If the body arrives late Tuesday night, we’ll hold the burial on Wednesday. If it comes early on Tuesday, we’ll proceed the same day, she noted.

Taiwo Azeez, a mentor and father figure to the late boxer, also expressed gratitude, while acknowledging the lingering sorrow within the family.

We thank God his body is finally on its way. The pain is still with us, but we must accept what we cannot change. I’ll be present at the burial to ensure he receives the rest he deserves,Azeez said.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) had earlier confirmed that Olanrewaju’s body would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, June 17, following extensive diplomatic efforts and legal clearance.

In a letter dated June 10 and addressed to the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, NBBofC General Secretary Remi Aboderin confirmed that the repatriation had been finalized after high-level discussions involving NBBofC President Dr. Rafiu Oladipo and Ghanaian officials.

The NBBofC assured the family that the schedule would allow sufficient time for burial planning. They also confirmed that the remains would be transported directly for interment without requiring further mortuary services.

Aboderin noted that logistical challenges—specifically limited cargo options—necessitated routing the body through Lome (Togo) and Cotonou (Benin) before reaching Lagos.

The journey has been difficult logistically. Due to these delays, the burial originally intended for Tuesday may now take place on Wednesday, he explained.

The NBBofC has worked closely with the bereaved family to ensure a dignified and respectful farewell. Family members, friends, and boxing stakeholders are expected to attend the funeral service.

Segun Olanrewaju, widely known by his ring name “Success,” collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom, Accra. He was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

His sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief in Nigeria and raised serious questions about safety standards in Ghana’s boxing industry. Subsequent investigations uncovered significant lapses in regulatory oversight by the Ghana Boxing Authority.