The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the remains of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically passed away during a professional bout in Accra on March 29, 2025.
According to a statement from the GBA’s Communications Directorate, the body was airlifted from Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, June 17, and is currently en route to Lagos, Nigeria, with a stopover in Lomé, Togo.
The GBA expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians, members of the boxing fraternity, journalists, and the media for their steadfast support throughout the period of mourning.
In preparation for final funeral rites in Nigeria, the GBA has dispatched two representatives — Gideon Hassen Appiah, a member of the GBA Board, and Lateykwei Lartey, Head Coach at Fit Square Boxing Gym — to receive the body at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye revealed that the Authority has sent $3,000 to Nigeria to support the family of the late boxer.
This amount includes a $1,500 purse from Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Boxing Management, and an additional \$1,500 donation from the GBA.
The funds are to be presented to the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) as a gesture of solidarity and support.
Olanrewaju, a former Nigerian national boxing champion, collapsed in the ring during a fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena, prompting widespread grief and calls for improved safety standards in Ghanaian boxing.
His death led to the formation of a high-powered investigative committee chaired by Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio, with members including former GBA President Peter Zwennes, sports journalist Ekow Asmah, legal practitioners Samuel Bartels and Juliana Addo-Yobo, referee Eddie Pappoe, and sports medicine expert Dr. Martin Engmann.
The GBA reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with the Nigerian boxing community and ensuring that Olanrewaju’s memory is honored with the dignity and respect he deserves.
