Anthony Joshua Pays Tribute to Friends Killed in Nigeria Crash

Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele following their deaths in a car crash in Nigeria.

Ghami and Ayodele were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos. Joshua and another passenger were also in the vehicle. Joshua sustained minor injuries and later returned to the United Kingdom.

Joshua attended a funeral service at a mosque in London on Sunday. In a post on Instagram, he said he was finding it difficult to process the loss and expressed sympathy for the families of the victims. He described Ghami and Ayodele as close companions and said their parents were facing the greatest burden.

Ghami worked as Joshua’s full time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and had been part of his team for more than a decade. Ayodele was a personal trainer and long time friend. Hours before the crash, Joshua had posted a video of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele.

On Sunday, Joshua shared images showing him seated with family members of the victims, including their mothers. He also posted a photograph holding an image of Ghami.

The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources said he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He was granted bail of five million naira and the case was adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua has family roots in Sagamu and was visiting relatives for new year celebrations at the time of the crash.