Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has paid an emotional tribute to two of his close friends who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Nigeria, describing them as “brothers” and “great men.”
The accident occurred on December 29 along the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway. Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated before returning to England. He later came back to Nigeria to attend the funeral rites of the victims, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, which were held last Sunday.
In a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Joshua expressed gratitude for the support shown to the families of the deceased and reflected on the bond he shared with them.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they were. I would just be walking with them and cracking jokes, not knowing that God kept me in the presence of great men,” he wrote.
Joshua acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss, noting that while the experience has been painful for him, it is even more devastating for the parents of the deceased.
“It’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers,” he added.
Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his long-time strength and conditioning coach. Both men reportedly died at the scene of the crash.
The police have since charged the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the accident, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death. Preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle rammed into a stationary truck on the highway.
Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was in the country on holiday following his victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19
Anthony Joshua Pays Emotional Tribute to Friends Killed in Lagos–Ibadan Crash
