Anthony Joshua Pays Tribute to Friends Ghami and Latz After Fatal Nigeria Crash

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who were killed in a car crash in Nigeria, describing their deaths as “tough” to come to terms with.

Ghami and Ayodele died after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos. Anthony Joshua and another passenger were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The former world champion sustained minor injuries and was later flown back to the United Kingdom, where he attended the victims’ funeral at a mosque in London on Sunday.

In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram on Thursday, January 8, Joshua thanked supporters for the love shown to the families of the deceased.

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” he wrote.
“I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’d just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“One hundred per cent 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.”

Long-standing Personal and Professional Bonds

Sina Ghami had worked with Joshua for more than a decade as his full-time sports and exercise rehabilitation coach, playing a key role in the boxer’s preparation and recovery throughout his career.

READ: Arsenal Miss Opportunity to Open 8-Point Lead After Goalless Draw with Liverpool

Latif Ayodele, popularly known as “Latz”, was a personal trainer and a close personal friend of Joshua. Just hours before the fatal crash, Joshua had shared a video on social media of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele, highlighting the closeness of their relationship.

On Sunday, the boxer shared images from the funeral, including one showing him seated alongside his mother and family members of the deceased, as well as another photograph of him holding an image of Ghami.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources confirmed that he has been charged with offences including causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of five million naira (£2,578) and remanded in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Anthony Joshua’s Ties to Nigeria

Although born in Watford, Anthony Joshua has strong family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, close to the scene of the accident. A family member told the BBC that the boxer was travelling to the town to visit relatives as part of New Year celebrations when the collision occurred.

Joshua had been spending time in Nigeria following his recent high-profile victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

Apology Over Hospital Video

Meanwhile, UFC fighter Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology after footage from a private video call with Joshua while he was in hospital circulated online. Usman said he “takes full responsibility” for posting the clip on YouTube without properly checking its content.

The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, athletes, and figures across the combat sports world, as Joshua continues to mourn the loss of two men he described as brothers.

Source: BBC