Olanrewaju Success and Sam Okwaraji: Nigerians compare boxer collapsing in Ghana to death of Super Eagles legend

Social media was plunged into mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Nigerian light-heavyweight champion Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju.

The 40-year-old boxer collapsed during a match against Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana, as part of Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.

Despite immediate medical attention, Olanrewaju was pronounced dead, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest or underlying health complications.

The heartbreaking moment, captured in a viral video shared widely on social media, showed Olanrewaju staggering and collapsing mid-fight after exchanging punches with his opponent.

The news spread rapidly, sparking an outpouring of grief, tributes, and calls for improved safety measures in boxing across Nigerian social media platforms.

Nigerians on X expressed a mix of devastation, disbelief, and reflection on the dangers of the sport.

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Some Nigerians compare the situation to the sudden death of Nigerian footballer Sam Okwaraji, who collapsed on the pitch in 1989.

Reno Omokri wrote, “Losing their son at the prime of his life, and as the world marks Eid-el-Fitr. What a tragedy for the Nigerian nation.

"This is another reminder that we will all go one day at a date and time we do not know.”

Other Nigerians echoed similar sentiments, a fan said, posting, “A Nigerian boxer sadly passed away during a match against a Ghanaian opponent at the Bukom Boxing Arena last night. RIP champ.

The recurring use of heartbreak emojis and RIP messages underscored the profound sadness felt by Nigerians, many of whom viewed Olanrewaju as a national hero and a symbol of resilience in the ring.

See more reactions below