Sports

Nigerian Boxer Segun Olanrewaju’s remains to be repatriated next week

The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, fondly known as “Success,” is set to be returned to Nigeria next week, nearly two months after his tragic death during a bout in Ghana.

The announcement brings a sense of closure to his family, friends, and fans, who have been mourning the loss of the talented athlete.

Olanrewaju collapsed in the ring during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Despite being rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, he was sadly pronounced dead. His passing sent shockwaves through Nigeria, prompting an outpouring of grief and sparking widespread debate about safety standards in Ghana’s boxing community.

Speaking to journalists, Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), confirmed that the repatriation of Olanrewaju’s body is now imminent.

“I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day,” Mr Ladipo stated, expressing optimism about the process.

The return of Olanrewaju’s remains follows weeks of tireless legal, diplomatic, and procedural efforts by Nigerian authorities to ensure the boxer is laid to rest with the dignity he deserves.

Mr Ladipo highlighted the dedication of all involved, noting the complexities of coordinating such a repatriation across borders.

The tragic loss of “Success” has not only left a void in Nigeria’s boxing scene but also raised critical questions about the safety protocols in place at international boxing events.

As the nation prepares to welcome their beloved athlete home, many hope his legacy will inspire improvements in the sport to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.

Olanrewaju’s family and the NBB of C are expected to provide further updates on the arrangements for his burial once his remains arrive in Nigeria next week.si

Sports

Former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair is dead

Ex-Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, has died at the age of 88, after battling with diabetes for a while.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, disclosed the news of his death in a Facebook post.

It is believed Sinclair passed away on Wednesday around 3:15pm.

“Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Idah wrote.

After Philippe Troussier was sacked in 1997, Sinclair was appointed coach of the Eagles on an interim basis and took charge of two friendly matches against Zambia and Tunisia.

Sinclair has been credited with discovering ex-Nigeria internationals like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside, etc.

Sports

Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after major abdominal injury

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has made a remarkable return to full training, taking a crucial step forward in his recovery from a life-threatening abdominal injury sustained in May.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international had been sidelined after suffering a ruptured intestine, an injury so serious it required a complex two-stage surgical process. The first operation took place in May and was followed by doctors placing Awoniyi in an induced coma to closely monitor his condition. Three days later, surgeons completed the second procedure to close the wound.

It has been a long and challenging road back for Awoniyi, who was unable to join Nottingham Forest’s push to secure their Premier League survival at the end of last season. His absence was felt deeply, given the forward’s knack for crucial goals and his growing importance to both club and country.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, Awoniyi has finally returned to the training pitch with his teammates.

The update was shared by Soar Super Eagles on Tuesday in a post on X, reading: “Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after that serious abdominal injury in May. Great to see him back on the grass.”

His comeback offers a significant boost for Nottingham Forest ahead of the new season, while also reigniting hopes that Awoniyi will soon be available to lead the line for Nigeria as they continue preparations for crucial upcoming qualifiers.

Sports

Chelsea crush PSG 3-0 to win Club World Cup

Chelsea won the Club World Cup following a surprise 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

Cole Palmer scored twice and assisted another as the Blues, Conference League winners, delivered a clinical first half performance to silence the attacking juggernauts of PSG, UEFA Champions League holders, who finished the entertaining encounter with ten men.

‎It is a second trophy for Chelsea to cap a successful season, adding to the third-tier European trophy won in May.

Donald Trump, president of the United States of America, was in attendance as sides paraded their best stars, with Ousmane Dembele leading PSG’s charge, while Palmer and Joao Pedro spearheaded Chelsea’s attack