By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Adebusola Olanrewaju, the wife of the late Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has shared her heartbreaking account of his struggles and the neglect he faced throughout his career.
She revealed that despite his tireless efforts to seek help and advance in boxing, Segun received little to no support.
“He begged for help, but nobody cared,” she said, reflecting on how his dedication was overlooked until after his death.
In an interview, Adebusola described her husband as a loving and devoted father. “He was a very good man; humble, strong, and caring,” she shared.
She recalls how Segun always went above and beyond for their children, even taking on household duties when she was occupied. “He would bathe them, carry one on his back, and take care of them like no one else,” she added.
Segun’s journey to Ghana, where he was pressured to lose a fight, is another point of pain for Adebusola.
“He told us they wanted him to lose, but he refused. He was there for his career, not to be used,” she recalled, highlighting Segun’s integrity despite the tough circumstances. His determination to succeed remained intact even in the face of adversity.
Adebusola also shared that Segun had big plans for the future. “He promised that when he came back from Ghana, he would start a transport business,” she revealed. Despite the hardships, Segun remained hopeful and eager to build a stable future for his family.
Segun’s unexpected passing left his family in shock. Adebusola recounted the moment she learned of his death:
“I called him that night, expecting to hear from him in the morning, but instead, I received the news that he was gone.” She emphasized how difficult it is to explain his loss to their young children.
“Please, don’t let his death be in vain,” she pleaded, hoping his story would inspire others.
The grief was shared by Segun’s mother and sister. His sister, Rachel, described him as a “hard-working and friendly” person who was always there for others.
“He was the only boy in the family, and we never imagined he would leave us so soon,” she said.
