Sports

Kofi Adams consoles family of late Nigerian boxer

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has extended his heartfelt condolences and comfort to the family of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically passed away after his bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, Hon. Adams expressed his deepest sympathies to the people and government of Nigeria, particularly the Boxing Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, and the entire Nigerian boxing fraternity.

“We stand in solidarity with our Nigerian brothers and sisters in this difficult moment,” Hon. Adams said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, the Boxing Association of Nigeria, and the entire Nigerian boxing community.”

According to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Olanrewaju collapsed during the third round of his fight against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu and was later pronounced dead at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, in an official press release, expressed his sadness and shock at the news, stating that “Gabriel’s untimely departure reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the sport we passionately love”.

The Minister, on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, pledged full cooperation to ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of Olanrewaju’s passing and to support efforts aimed at improving athlete safety.

The Ghana Boxing Authority has also extended its condolences to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Olanrewaju’s family, and the global boxing community, acknowledging the risks of the sport and praying for the safety of all fighters.

As the sports community comes to terms with this tragic loss, Hon. Adams’ words resonate deeply: “May we all find solace during this difficult period and continue to work together to safeguard the wellbeing of athletes across the continent.”