Nigerian Female Boxer 'Star Girl' Blessing Oluwasegun Dies After Prolonged Illness
The Nigerian boxing community is in mourning following the tragic death of professional female boxer Blessing Oluwasegun, popularly known as 'Star Girl'. She passed away on Tuesday, April 21, after battling a prolonged illness at a general hospital in Akure, located in South West Nigeria.
Career and Legacy of the Late Boxer
Blessing Oluwasegun hailed from Benue State and began her boxing career in Akure. She later moved to Ibadan and then Lagos in pursuit of greater opportunities in the sport. Throughout her career, she cemented herself as one of the best female fighters in Nigeria, with a record of seven wins and two losses, including four victories by knockout. Her talent and determination earned her significant recognition within the local boxing scene.
Family Speaks Out on the Tragic Loss
According to reports from Fight Gist Media, Blessing's elder brother revealed that the family was not fully aware of the severity of her health condition. He explained that he had limited contact within the boxing community and was unsure of who to reach out to, especially as Blessing was unable to communicate due to the seriousness of her illness.
The family has deposited her remains in a mortuary in Akure, and she will be laid to rest on Friday, April 24, in her hometown in Benue State. In this difficult period, the family has appealed to the Nigeria Boxing Federation and the public for support through donations. These funds are intended to assist with funeral arrangements and help a group of boxers who plan to travel for her burial.
Reactions from the Boxing Community and Fans
Blessing's passing has left a void in the boxing community, with many mourning the loss of a talented fighter whose career was on the rise. Her death comes one year after the passing of another boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun, as reported by the BBC.
Fans and fellow boxers have expressed their grief and condolences on social media. For example:
- Giwa Omowunmi Harinolar said: "Blessing I remember when last we chatted you told me we will talk better when we see. Now I can’t see you or hear you again. May God accept your soul… rest well my champ."
- Olu Oyedapo wrote: "This one worry mind. RIP champ! Though I always watched you from afar, I was really hoping to see you under the bright lights. May the bright lights now guide you home."
- Atoe Friday added: "Rest in Power, Star Girl. Your determination and passion in boxing inspired many."
Other reactions highlighted broader issues in Nigerian boxing, such as health maintenance and support for athletes. Olatoye Yusuf Adebayo commented: "No good health maintenance. All most Nigerian boxers are built to know is fame without money which ends their career and life in a brutal way. Boxing is more than a sport, it's a combat game which requires regular health monitoring and care for safety."
Recent Boxing Tragedies in Nigeria
This incident follows another recent loss in the boxing world. Legit.ng earlier reported that Segun 'Success' Olanrewaju, a former national and West African light-heavyweight boxing champion, passed away after collapsing during a match in Ghana on Saturday, March 29. He lost consciousness while in action against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena.
The deaths of these athletes underscore ongoing challenges in the sport, including health risks and the need for better support systems for boxers in Nigeria and beyond.
