In a bid to quell rising tensions following the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, addressed the nation and international sports communities.
During his appearance on Sporty FM’s Sporty Breakfast show, Adams made it clear that the incident was not the result of any hostile act by Ghanaians, urging calm and continued sportsmanship between Ghana and Nigeria.
The death [Segun Olanrewaju] was not caused by any Ghanaian. It was not an attack. So I don’t expect Nigerians to attack any Ghanaian boxer [who goes there]. – Kofi Adams
The minister’s remarks come at a time when the boxing world is reeling from uncertainty and fear of potential retaliatory actions. By firmly stating that the death was not an attack, Adams emphasized that there is no reason for Nigerians to direct any anger towards Ghanaian athletes, particularly those traveling to Nigeria for matches.
This measured response has been widely seen as an effort to maintain the long-standing friendly relations between the two nations, ensuring that the spirit of competition and mutual respect remains untainted despite the recent tragedy.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding Segun Olanrewaju’s death continue, sports authorities from both sides are committed to transparency and cooperation, aiming to bring clarity to the incident while reinforcing unity in the sports community.
Olanrewaju was a 40-year-old boxer based in Lagos, Nigeria, who made his professional debut in 2019. His professional record stood at 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout.