Boxer Segun Olanrewaju from Nigeria Was Diagnosed With a Preexisting Heart Issue, According to Committee Report
Following an extensive investigation led by a government-appointed committee, the tragic demise of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju has shed light on several concerning issues within the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
Olanrewaju, also known as Success, collapsed during a fight against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom, Accra. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ekow Asmah, a committee member and veteran journalist, revealed that an autopsy found Olanrewaju had an enlarged heart, a pre-existing condition common among athletes. However, the exact cause of his death during the bout remains unclear.
The investigation also uncovered significant lapses within the GBA. Asmah stated that the Authority failed to provide even the most basic safety measures, such as having a licensed doctor present. Olanrewaju was found to have bypassed the mandatory medical examination before the fight.
The committee's most startling discovery was that the person who pretended to be a medical professional during Olanrewaju's collapse was an imposter. Asmah noted that the individual who entered the ring wearing a lab coat was not a licensed doctor, which could constitute fraud and pose serious safety risks.
The committee, chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, interviewed 30 witnesses over a 21-day period. Their comprehensive 100-page report includes contributions from international experts, such as WBC board member Ataa Pappoe.
Among the committee's recommendations is for Ghana to cover the cost of repatriating Olanrewaju's remains to Nigeria and paying for his funeral and burial expenses. Additional financial support may also be provided to the boxer's bereaved family.
The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria after this incident.
Although not directly related to Olanrewaju's death, the committee's findings also pointed to deeper structural problems within the GBA. Issues such as the Authority operating without a valid license and a lack of adherence to safety standards were highlighted.
In a separate matter, Ghana's Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that all necessary legal clearances for repatriating Olanrewaju's body have been obtained, and his remains are expected to be returned to Nigeria soon.
- The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national football team, have been urged to prioritize cardiovascular health and medical-conditions checks for all athletes following the tragic death of boxer Segun Olanrewaju.
- The Nigerian government and Nigerian sports enthusiasts, popularly known as Naija sports fans, are keeping a close eye on the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) amid concerns about the safety measures implemented by hosting countries.
- While discussing the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria, health-and-wellness professionals have emphasized the need for better management of chronic diseases like heart conditions in athletes, in light of Segun Olanrewaju's demise.
- As the Super Eagles gear up for their AFCON campaigns, team doctors must ensure that all athletes have undergone mandatory medical examinations with licensed professionals to prevent any future tragedies similar to Segun Olanrewaju's.
- In an effort to promote sports safety and integrity, medical-conditions checks should become an integral part of sports culture in Nigeria, just as they are taking center stage in the aftermath of the tragic death of Segun Olanrewaju.
