Nigeria Boxing Legend Abandoned in Morgue

The remains of former Nigerian boxer and national coach Obisia Nwakpa have been stored in a Lagos morgue for five months because of financial constraints. Known as the “Golden Glove,” Nwakpa died on June 3, 2025, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. His widow, Franca Nwakpa, has been unable to afford his burial after spending more than N9 million on his medical treatment, which depleted the family’s resources.

Franca has appealed for assistance from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, and the National Olympic Committee, but she has received no response. She has now turned to the Abia State government—Nwakpa’s state of origin—seeking help to lay him to rest. The cost of keeping his body in the morgue has risen to nearly N2 million, and the overall funeral expenses remain a significant burden. Franca has appealed to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, known for his compassion, hoping to hold the funeral by November 2025 as originally planned.

Nwakpa’s contributions to Nigerian sport have been overlooked in his time of need. He enjoyed a distinguished career, narrowly losing a world‑title fight to Saoul Mamby in Lagos, winning gold medals, and mentoring several champions, earning him the reputation of Africa’s boxing pride. The abandonment of his body in the morgue has raised concerns about how former athletes and sports personalities are treated in Nigeria, highlighting the need for support systems to ensure that those who have significantly contributed to the country’s sports development are not forgotten when they require help.