Sports
UPDATE: How bankruptcy led Nigerian boxer to death in Ghana – NBBofC

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control says boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who died in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, was not granted approval for the fatal bout after his initial fight scheduled for Friday was cancelled after being adjudged overweight.
The 40-year-old former National and West African light-heavyweight champion lost consciousness during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra on Saturday.
It was learnt that Olanrewaju was leading on points before the tragic incident occurred in the scheduled eight-round light-heavyweight contest against Mbanugu, also known as “Jon Power,” who holds a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 12 knockouts.
It took only a few seconds for officials and fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena to realise that something was seriously wrong.
Olanrewaju had landed two weak punches on his opponent before Mbanugu responded with a right hand to the Nigerian’s face.
After a brief impasse between both men, the Nigerian boxer staggered backwards, fell against the ropes and collapsed, to the disbelief of the fans.
The Nigerian fighter slumped on his side as the referee began the mandatory count.
Moments later, he turned face down, with his throat resting against one of the ropes.
His team rushed into the ring, placed him on the canvas, removed his gum shield, and attempted to resuscitate him as he appeared to be gasping for breath.
The on-site emergency medical team quickly transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Secretary-General, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, said the boxing body permitted Olanrewaju to fight on Friday but the bout was cancelled.
According to Aboderin, the late pugilist then decided to fight the next day so he could make some money to clear his debts back home.
“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday. Unfortunately, they did weigh-in on Thursday and he was found to be overweight and they told him the person he was to fight was not his weight.
“They said to do this, they would increase his purse with another $500, which he said was too small, and due to that, there was no agreement.”
Aboderin further revealed that another Nigerian fought that Friday night.
“Saturday morning, they were on their way back to Lagos, they had even left Accra and were at Aflao border when Segun said to the coach that followed him, that’s Diran Alamu, that it was not going to be easy returning home; he left Nigeria with no money and he had debts to pay and needed money.
So, he wanted to call the Ghanaians and see if another fight was coming up and told them he was now ready to collect the additional $500 as discussed because he felt it would not pay him if he returned home without money.
“So, they called the matchmaker, who informed him that there was a fight on Saturday night and that they could put the fight for that Saturday, but we didn’t give him the approval for that, and this is where the GBA (Ghana Boxing Association) erred.
So, he turned back and went back to Ghana because he needed the money; he owed a lot of people money,” the NBBofC secretary added.
Coach Babatunde Ojo, who trained Olanrewaju, also said that he advised the boxer against fighting on short notice.
“He (Olanrewaju) told me they gave him a fight last week. After he informed me, I told him, ‘the fight was at short notice, you are not training and you want to go, you can’t go, leave this fight for a better offer,’” Ojo said.
“He initially told me the fight was on April 1, but he called later to say it was no longer next month but on March 29.
So, I told him that it was at short notice but if he wanted us to go together, he should tell the organisers to book flights so we could go there and come back together. He called them and when he got back to me, he said they told him they would get him a car that would take him to Ghana.
I said no, that’s not possible. So, he knew I didn’t want him to go.
“After that, he called me that they (NBBofC) had given him a release letter (for the fight). I didn’t hear from him afterwards, so I called him.
He said he had been called again for the fight and was going that night. I told him, ‘Success, don’t you think this fight is too early?’ He said he would call me back. The next time I called him, he said he was on his way (to Ghana), and he didn’t call me because he knew I wouldn’t allow him go.
That was why he didn’t tell me. He is an adult, so, I could not stop him.
“Now we have this situation, these are the things I advise my boxers against; you can’t pick a fight at short notice, you need at least one month. I am very saddened by his loss; may his soul rest in peace,” Ojo added.
Sports
Enugu State Receives National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity

Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremmadu (C), with the Torch of Unity in Enugu.
Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has received the National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity, while promising full participation of the state’s contingents in the forthcoming event, scheduled to hold in Ogun State, Nigeria.
The festival will hold from May 16th – 30th in Abeokuta, Ogun State, located in South-Western Nigeria.
Mbah, who was represented by Lloyd Ekweremmadu, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, commended the initiators of the festival, saying it had created a bond of unity among Nigerians.
The governor said that through the Sports Festival, many talents have been discovered to represent Nigeria in various international competitions across the world.
“Sports is a unifying factor and a veritable tool to identifying talents. Since its formation in 1971, the festival has been a successful initiative.
“I am assuring you that Enugu State contingents will participate fully in Ogun 2025,” he said.
(VON)
Sports
Real Madrid’s Camavinga to treat groin injury for three months
Reports also suggest Camavinga might miss the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, with estimates putting his recovery time at around three months.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with a groin injury, the club announced on Thursday.
The French international picked up the injury during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga on Wednesday.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Eduardo Camavinga by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a complete rupture of the left adductor tendon,” said Madrid in a statement.
According to Spanish media, Camavinga is expected to miss Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona, along with Madrid’s final five league matches as they attempt to close the gap on the Catalan leaders.
Reports also suggest Camavinga might miss the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, with estimates putting his recovery time at around three months.
The 22-year-old has struggled to find consistent form this season, despite playing a key role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs last year.
AFP
Sports
Standard-Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls, and respected professionals from various sectors.
Mr. Fadimu’s upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and public enlightenment.
The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities, and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.
In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: “Being recognized and considered for membership in such a historic and respected institution is truly an honor.
The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.
Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership, and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.
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