Sports

TRAGEDY IN THE RING: NIGERIA ACCUSES GHANA OF NEGLIGENCE IN BOXER SEGUN OLANREWAJU’S SHOCKING DEATH

Published

2 months ago

April 1, 2025

TRAGEDY IN THE RING: NIGERIA ACCUSES GHANA OF NEGLIGENCE IN BOXER SEGUN OLANREWAJU’S SHOCKING DEATH

The boxing world has been rocked by a scandalous tragedy as Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju collapsed and died in the ring during a professional bout in Ghana, sparking outrage and accusations of gross negligence against the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The 40-year-old light-heavyweight fighter, nicknamed “Success,” tragically lost his life at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. Olanrewaju, in a horrifying and unexplained moment, slumped to the canvas without even being hit by his opponent, Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu, during the third round of the fight. He was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead just 30 minutes later.

Now, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) is pointing fingers at the GBA, accusing the regulatory body of failing to follow standard boxing protocols that could have saved Olanrewaju’s life. Speaking to journalists on Monday, Remi Aboderin, secretary-general of the NBB of C, delivered a scathing indictment of the GBA, alleging that the fight was not only mishandled but illegally rescheduled without Nigeria’s approval.

BREACHES OF PROTOCOL AND A DEADLY FIGHT NIGHT

According to Aboderin, Olanrewaju’s fight was initially scheduled for March 28th but was inexplicably pushed to the 29th without any prior communication with Nigerian authorities. This, he claims, was just the tip of the iceberg.

“Segun went to Ghana to fight according to the contract, but the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) did not do their due diligence. They did not conduct the mandatory medical examination, nor did they ensure that he made the required weight for the fight,” he told ThisDay Nigeria.

The NBB of C secretary-general further disclosed that Olanrewaju was already en route back to Nigeria after the original fight date was scrapped due to a weight dispute. However, at the last minute, he was allegedly called back to Ghana for the rescheduled bout without undergoing the necessary medical clearance or weigh-in procedures.

“No medical examinations were performed to ascertain his health. No weigh-in was done. He must have been stressed,” Aboderin added, implying that exhaustion and poor oversight may have led to the boxer’s sudden collapse and death.

DID NEGLIGENCE KILL SEGUN OLANREWAJU?

The shocking turn of events has triggered a wave of anger in Nigeria’s boxing community, with calls for an immediate and thorough investigation. Many believe the Ghana Boxing Authority’s failure to adhere to safety regulations directly contributed to Olanrewaju’s untimely demise.

Fans and fellow fighters have taken to social media to express their grief and demand justice, as questions swirl about how a professional bout could be allowed to proceed without proper medical oversight.

Olanrewaju, a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, had a respectable record of 24 fights, including 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws. His career was marked by resilience and a passion for the sport, making his tragic and avoidable death even more devastating.

With Nigerian authorities now pushing for accountability, the international boxing community is closely watching how the Ghanaian regulators respond. Will justice be served for Segun Olanrewaju, or will this tragedy be swept under the rug? The fight for answers has just begun.

Related Topics:Featured segun olanrewaju

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Sports

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.

Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.

The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.

Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.

As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Sports

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

Published

3 weeks ago

April 22, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

Media guru and highly respected on air personality, Jọlaoluwa Afọlabi famously known as J.J Jabulani is holding an elaborate 90th years birthday bash for his mummy, Mama Maria Ibipeju Afọlabi.

The birthday bash is holding on Friday, 25th April, 2025 at No 1 Ebute Road, Unity hall, opposite Indomie house, Lau junction, Ibafo, Ogun state. Many eminent personalities and media guys are expected to grace the epoch-making event.

Mama Ibipeju is a big business woman that trades on kolanut and gold in the 80s, she’s married to the popular pastor of the C&S church world wide Most Senior Apostle Samson Ọlayiwola Afọlabi of the revered Odofin compound in IREE town,Boripe local government of Osun state .

Mama is blessed with so many children among them is the ace broadcaster and media owner , Afolabi Jolaoluwa jabulani who is the last born of the nonagenarian.

Mama has great love and passion for gospel music spurred her interest in the usage of ‘SHEKERE’ in praising God till this moment and this singular act earned her the nick name (Iya Sekere)

Sports

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Published

4 weeks ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Rising Nigerian football talent Nanakeme Precious Poweidou has officially signed with Zvijezda Gradacac, a professional football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step in what he calls “a journey, not a hundred-meter race.”

The promising player expressed his excitement and gratitude following the signing, saying, “It is not a hundred-meter race, but a journey… I’m looking forward to a great career by God’s grace.”

The move to Zvijezda Gradacac marks Poweidou’s first professional contract in Europe, a milestone that signals both the beginning of his international career and the realization of years of dedication, discipline, and hard work on the pitch.