Body of Late Nigerian Boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju to Arrive Nigeria Tuesday After Months of Family Agony

In a development that has brought a mix of relief and emotion, the family of late Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has finally received confirmation that his remains will be returned to Nigeria on Tuesday, ending a distressing and agonizing wait that has spanned nearly three months since his untimely death in Ghana. The former champion, known for his ferocity in the ring and his unwavering spirit, died tragically in March under circumstances that shook the Nigerian boxing community and left fans heartbroken across West Africa.

The confirmation of the repatriation was made public on Monday through a family spokesperson, who expressed both gratitude and emotional exhaustion after weeks of what the family described as “bureaucratic back-and-forth” between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities. According to the family, the process to return his body was slowed by multiple factors including cross-border paperwork delays, financial constraints, and logistical challenges.

Segun “Success” Olanrewaju had traveled to Ghana for a professional bout that was to serve as a major step in his comeback story. The 32-year-old boxer, who had previously won several national titles and built a reputation for being one of Nigeria’s most promising pugilists, was said to have collapsed during training days before his scheduled fight. He was rushed to a local hospital in Accra but passed away after reportedly suffering internal complications. His death sparked immediate mourning among fellow athletes, fans, and sports administrators who called for a thorough investigation into the safety protocols in place for Nigerian athletes competing abroad.

His family, meanwhile, was thrust into a nightmare that no one could have prepared them for. According to his elder sister, Jumoke Olanrewaju, who has been at the forefront of communication with both governments, the experience was “a long, painful, and financially draining ordeal” as they struggled to navigate the legal and diplomatic hurdles required to repatriate his body. “There were times we felt hopeless,” she said during an emotional phone call with reporters. “But we never gave up. Success was a fighter in life, and we owed it to him to bring him back home.”

The boxing community in Nigeria has reacted to the news of the impending arrival of Olanrewaju’s remains with solemn respect. The Nigeria Boxing Federation released a statement acknowledging the pain endured by the late boxer’s family and promised to assist in honoring him with a dignified burial. “Segun was not only a great boxer, he was a symbol of determination and resilience,” the statement read. “We urge all stakeholders to come together to give him the farewell he deserves and to reflect on how we treat our sportsmen, especially those competing internationally.”

The news of the return has also ignited conversations across social media about the treatment of Nigerian athletes abroad and the often-overlooked risks they face when representing the country. Fans and fellow boxers alike have taken to Twitter and Instagram to pay tribute to the fallen fighter, posting videos of his past matches, training sessions, and inspirational quotes that defined his career. One user wrote, “Segun ‘Success’ was more than a boxer. He was a warrior for Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.”

Many fans remember Segun “Success” Olanrewaju as a fierce competitor in the ring with an unyielding passion for the sport. His nickname, “Success,” wasn’t just a stage name—it was a mantra he lived by. Raised in a modest neighborhood in Lagos, Segun had fought his way out of poverty using boxing as his tool. From the dusty local gyms of Mushin to the flood-lit arenas of Accra, his journey was one of courage and ambition. Despite facing setbacks, injuries, and lack of institutional support, Segun kept pushing, often training with limited resources and surviving on meager earnings. His story served as an inspiration for countless young boxers hoping to break through the barriers of poverty and neglect.

His coach, Baba Sala, who trained him for over a decade, broke down in tears when the news broke. “I watched him grow from a skinny boy with anger in his fists to a disciplined man with the heart of a lion. His death broke me, but knowing he is coming home gives me a little peace,” he said. The gym where Segun trained will reportedly hold a candlelight procession in his honor on the evening of his arrival.

It was reported that local boxing fans and well-wishers have begun preparations for a modest yet heartfelt welcome at the airport. Friends of the boxer, alongside officials from the Nigeria Boxing Federation and members of the Sports Ministry, are expected to receive his casket and accompany it to his family home, where a wake will be held before burial arrangements commence. Community leaders in his home area have also announced plans to organize a posthumous boxing tournament in his honor—a gesture meant to both celebrate his legacy and inspire young fighters coming up the ranks.

The tragedy of Segun “Success” Olanrewaju’s death has once again spotlighted the precarious position of many Nigerian athletes who travel abroad without adequate insurance, medical support, or governmental oversight. Advocacy groups are now calling for the Nigerian government to implement stronger regulations that will ensure athlete safety during international events, including mandatory health screenings, travel insurance, and emergency protocols.

For now, though, the focus remains on giving Segun a dignified farewell. “We are not yet whole, but we are grateful,” said his sister. “After all this time, our brother will finally be laid to rest in the land he fought so hard to represent. That means everything.”

As Nigeria prepares to receive one of its fallen sons, the memory of Segun “Success” Olanrewaju will live on—not only in the victories he secured in the ring, but in the spirit of perseverance and national pride that he carried with every punch. He came, he fought, he inspired—and even in death, his legacy continues to punch through the silence.