The family of late Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju has expressed deep grief and heartbreak over his sudden death, recounting his struggles, dreams, and the neglect he faced before his untimely passing in Ghana. In a heartfelt conversation, his wife, mother, and sister shared memories of his character, ambitions, and final moments.
His wife, Adebusola Olanrewaju, said she was with the boxer for nearly five years, and they were married for about two. They had two children — the eldest is two years old, while the youngest is nine months.
Describing him as a kind, humble, and determined man, Adebusola said Segun tirelessly sought help to advance his boxing career but was met with indifference. “He was a good man who never stopped trying. I told him to stop begging people, but he believed in himself and kept pushing. Now that he’s gone, people are posting tributes — where were they when he needed help?” she asked.
Adebusola recalled his deep love for their children, often caring for them with joy and affection. “He would bathe them, carry them on his back and neck, take videos, and post them. He never let people’s insults stop him from being a good father,” she said, tearfully adding, “Our first child is about to start school — I don’t even know where to begin.”
She revealed that Segun had told the family about his trip to Ghana and shared his disapproval when he was asked to deliberately lose a match. “He refused to throw the fight, insisting he was there to build his career. He said they had settled everything and was about to return home when he died,” she explained.
The news of his death reached her the morning after they last spoke. “We talked after 11pm on Saturday, but I never got his usual midnight message. The next morning, I messaged him and was told he had passed. I don’t know how to explain this to our children. Please don’t let his death be in vain,” she pleaded.
Segun had also planned to start a commercial transport business with his bus after returning from Ghana.
His mother, Mrs Olanrewaju, who has been raising her children since her husband died in 1993, described Segun as a gentle and hardworking child. “He tried different vocations — bricklaying, music — before settling into boxing. He became a champion, yet they didn’t let him enjoy the fruits of his labour,” she lamented.
Close to her son till the end, she recounted that she helped care for his children and kept some of his training equipment and his bus at her home. “I was getting ready for church when his wife and children arrived with the news. I was shattered.”
His elder sister, Rachel Olanrewaju, also mourned deeply, recalling his cheerful nature and how he always brought happiness to others. “He was very friendly, loved by many, and never liked to see anyone sad. He tried everything — music, training kids — he never stayed idle,” she said.
Rachel described the moment she learned of his death as surreal. “I was heading home and hadn’t told anyone I was coming when I heard people crying. I never thought my brother would die in the next 20 years. We suffered a lot together. This is a devastating loss.”
The family’s message is clear: Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju was a fighter both in and out of the ring — a man of resilience, kindness, and vision — who was neglected in life but celebrated in death
