FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two close friends who died in a fatal car crash in Nigeria, describing them as “brothers” and “exceptional men.”
Joshua was involved in the accident on December 29 and sustained minor injuries.
After receiving treatment and being discharged from hospital, he returned to England before travelling back to attend the funerals of Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami on Sunday.
In a message shared on social media platform X today, the boxer thanked supporters for the love shown to his late friends, reflecting on how he often spent time joking with them without fully realising how special they were.
He admitted the loss has been difficult for him but said he believes it is even more painful for their families, adding that he trusts God to grant them mercy.
Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Ghami, his long-time strength and conditioning coach, both died at the scene of the crash.
Nigerian police have since charged the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death.
The accident occurred on the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway when the Lexus SUV they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck.
Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, had been spending time in the country following his victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.