Sports

Nigeria Awaits Late Boxer Olanrewaju’s Body

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2025

Nigeria Awaits Late Boxer Olanrewaju's Body

Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success,” collapsed in the ring during a fight with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, who tragically died during a bout in Ghana, are expected to be returned to Nigeria next week, following nearly two months of legal, diplomatic, and procedural efforts.

Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success,” collapsed in the ring during a fight with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

His death triggered an outpouring of grief in Nigeria and ignited scrutiny over safety protocols in Ghana’s boxing scene.

In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Rafiu Ladipo, confirmed that the long-awaited repatriation of Olanrewaju’s body is now imminent.

“I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day,” Mr Ladipo said during a phone interview.

Mr Ladipo detailed the intense efforts by Nigerian authorities to ensure Olanrewaju’s remains are returned with dignity.

According to him, the NBB of C has worked closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Ghanaian Ministry of Youth and Sports to meet all necessary conditions.

“The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control has been doing so much to bring Segun’s corpse,” he explained.

Mr Ladipo revealed that the delay was largely due to delayed medical clearances and paperwork, including an autopsy report, a gross pathology analysis, and a death certificate.

These were required by both Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities before any repatriation could be approved.

“There are certain documents that they needed before they can bring it… I personally went to the Ministry of Health in Lagos, and we have been able to get their approval and permit from the Federal Ministry of Health that the body should be brought back home,” he stated.

Allegations of negligence
Mr Ladipo was also outspoken about the role of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in the tragic incident, alleging negligence in the medical preparations leading up to the fight.

“After the fight, we accused the Ghana Boxing Authority of negligence… the drug screening, the weighing, and the pre-fight medical were not done for him,” Mr Ladipo said.

“They just sent him to go and fight. This is never done.”

The Ghanaian government established a seven-member investigative committee in response to these accusations.

Mr Ladipo and officials from the NBB of C were subjected to a series of lengthy interviews by the committee to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the bout.

“I showed them the video of what we normally do in Nigeria… you must conduct what is called pre-fight checks — check his lungs, heartbeat, eyes, nose, and so on. If you don’t do it, how are you sure that the guy is fit?” Mr Ladipo questioned.

The investigative committee’s report later confirmed that Olanrewaju had not undergone the required pre-fight medicals and that no licensed medical professional was present during the match. It also revealed that he had a pre-existing heart condition, making the oversight particularly alarming.

Ghanaian authorities respond
Following the outcry, Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, acknowledged the delays but assured the public that all legal protocols have now been completed.

“The body was not detained for no reason. The Coroner’s Act was invoked, and the report was needed to carry on with the evacuation process,” Mr Adams explained.

He confirmed that Ghana is now fully cooperating with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the return of the body, with assistance from both countries’ boxing boards and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

“Once they confirm the arrangements, we are ready to assist in any way possible,” Mr Adams said.

Honouring a fallen fighter
Mr Ladipo emphasised that the NBB of C intends to honour the late boxer upon his return.

“They must come, give us adequate information so that from our end here, we will do what is called the memorable lap of honour,” he said.

He added that logistical arrangements are being finalised, including providing an ambulance to transfer the body directly from the airport to Olanrewaju’s family, avoiding further delays or additional transfers.

“We don’t want a situation whereby we take the body again to another mortuary in Nigeria. Let them tell us when they are bringing the corpse so that we can make adequate arrangements for receipt and burial,” Mr Ladipo said.

Calls for compensation
Discussions are also underway regarding compensation for the late boxer’s family. While no official figure has been disclosed, Mr Ladipo confirmed that compensation is part of ongoing negotiations.

“Of course, everything to Ghana — they are trying to compensate. We don’t know how much they will pay. Even if the fight purse is there to be paid, we have requested,” he said.

Looking ahead
The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter oversight and mandatory safety protocols across African boxing federations.

As investigations conclude and Olanrewaju’s body is prepared for return, attention now turns to ensuring justice for his family and preventing such a loss from happening again.

“We are not just playing around,” Mr Ladipo said. “We know our responsibilities, and we are doing the best we can in this circumstance.”

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Sports

Adegbuyi Named WAFU-B Player Of Tournament As Edo Queens Qualify For Champions League

Published

2 days ago

September 7, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Sixteen-year-old Oluwakemi Adegbuyi has been named Player of the Tournament after helping Edo Queens win the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s title and qualify for the 2026/27 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Nigerian champions defeated Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa 4-1 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 in regulation time in Burkina Faso on Sunday.

Edo Queens looked set to suffer defeat after conceding an early penalty, but they refused to give up and found a late equaliser in the 90+3rd minute to force the game into a shootout.

They held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties while Ampem Darkoa managed just one to claim the WAFU-B crown and secure their place in the Champions League.

Adegbuyi was one of the standout performers throughout the competition.

The Nigeria U-17 international scored twice in Edo Queens’ 3-1 win over ASEC Mimosas, finding the net on her debut before scoring again in her second appearance.

Her impressive displays earned her the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.

The teenager also enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season with FC Robo Queens, scoring 11 goals during the NWFL Premiership regular season and Super Six playoffs. Her form earned her the NWFL Premiership Player of the Season award.

Adegbuyi has now added the WAFU-B Player of the Tournament prize to her growing collection of individual honours and will be among the players to watch at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa described Edo Queens’ qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League as a remarkable achievement for the state and Nigerian women’s football.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, in Benin, Idahosa praised the players and technical crew for their resilience, discipline and determination.

“The feat is a remarkable achievement that has further placed Edo State at the forefront of women’s football in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.

Idahosa also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s investment in sports development and praised Edo State Sports Commission chairman Amadin Enabulele for his leadership and support.

“I congratulate the players, coaches, technical crew, officials and the entire Edo Queens family on this well-deserved qualification,” Idahosa said.

“You have made Edo State and Nigeria proud. Your victory is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is matched with discipline, commitment and the right investment.

“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you make an even greater mark on the continental stage.”

Sports

Transfers: Man City Ready Enzo Fernandez Bid, Chelsea Eye Martinez, Coventry Sign Pinnock

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Manchester City are preparing an opening bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as manager Enzo Maresca looks to rebuild his midfield before next week’s transfer deadline.

The Argentina international has emerged as a priority target for Maresca following several high-profile departures from the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 25-year-old also shares a strong relationship with his former Chelsea manager, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day before taking charge of City in June.

Chelsea know about City’s interest. Naija News reports that the Blues previously set an unofficial deadline for a potential deal and placed a minimum £120m valuation on Fernandez, but that deadline passed without an agreement.

City are now expected to return for the midfielder before the window closes. A successful move could make Fernandez one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, behind only Liverpool’s £125 million deal for Alexander Isak.

The Premier League champions have already paid £116 million for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and could break their transfer record for a second time in the same window.

Maresca wants another midfielder after a major reshuffle in the department. Tijjani Reijnders joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million; Barcelona signed Rodri for £65 million; Newcastle agreed a £52 million deal for Nico Gonzalez; and Bernardo Silva left earlier in the summer before joining Real Madrid.

Fernandez’s future has remained under scrutiny since Chelsea’s Champions League elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in March. He and his agent, former PSG midfielder Javier Pastore, attracted interest from Real Madrid, although the Spanish giants later issued a statement denying any attempt to sign the midfielder.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso also revealed in July that he had held a private conversation with Fernandez, who joined the club from Benfica for £107m in 2023, but declined to disclose what they discussed.

The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute during Monday’s 3-2 win over Fulham and faced boos from home supporters over his role in England’s World Cup exit. After celebrating briefly with the travelling fans and his teammates, Fernandez headed straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.

Coventry sign Pinnock from Brentford

Meanwhile, Coventry City have completed the signing of Jamaica centre-back Ethan Pinnock from Brentford for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £6m.

The 33-year-old joins the Sky Blues after six years with Brentford, where he made 216 appearances and scored 12 goals. He arrived at the West London club from Barnsley in 2019 and played an important role in their promotion to the Premier League.

Pinnock, however, lost his regular place in Brentford’s starting side and made only eight appearances in all competitions last season.

“I’m really excited to join Coventry City and continue my footballing journey with this great club,” Pinnock said.

“After 25 years, the club are back in the Premier League, and I know how much it must mean to everyone involved. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Pinnock becomes Coventry’s 10th signing of the summer and their second defensive addition after Aurele Amenda arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in July.

He also joins former Brentford teammate Frank Onyeka at Coventry. The Sky Blues have spent more than £100m this summer as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Chelsea make Martinez enquiries

Chelsea are also considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international’s representatives.

Villa could allow the 33-year-old to leave after signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.

A move for Martinez could lead to further business between Chelsea and Villa. Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal. Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, could also join Villa and reunite with former manager Unai Emery.

The clubs have developed a strong transfer relationship and previously completed a deal widely described as a PSR swap, which took Ian Maatsen to Villa and Omari Kellyman to Chelsea.

Juventus also tried to sign Martinez earlier in the window, but the move collapsed amid concerns over a finger injury. The Italian club instead signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

Chelsea’s interest comes amid growing concerns over Robert Sanchez’s recent performances. The Spaniard was beaten at his near post by Josh King against Fulham before spilling another effort into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders, who returned from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg this summer, could start against Luton.

Sports

Man City’s Nico O’Reilly Wins PFA Young Player Of The Year

Published

2 weeks ago

August 25, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old was announced as the winner at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Tuesday.

O’Reilly emerged ahead of five other nominees after players voted for their preferred candidate in the category.

The other nominees were Manchester City teammate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.

The PFA Young Player of the Year award is determined by votes from professional footballers, with players recognising the outstanding young performers from the season.

O’Reilly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with City, featuring in 53 matches across competitions and contributing directly to 15 goals. He impressed in both midfield and at left-back during the season.

His performances had already earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, with the league describing the England international as one of the standout young players of the 2025/26 campaign.

O’Reilly was also instrumental in Manchester City’s domestic campaign, including scoring both goals in the club’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

His latest recognition makes him one of the young players to have enjoyed the biggest breakthrough seasons in English football, having established himself as an important member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

O’Reilly’s victory also means Manchester City continue their strong record in the PFA Young Player of the Year category, with the club having produced previous winners including Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.