Anthony Joshua's Heartfelt Tribute to Friends Lost in Tragic Nigeria Crash
British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has shared an emotional video tribute to his two close friends who were killed in a devastating car crash in Nigeria last year. The 36-year-old athlete, who sustained minor injuries in the collision, described the loss as a "tragic, traumatic time" that has left him struggling to come to terms with the sudden tragedy.
The Fatal Incident Near Lagos
The fatal accident occurred on 29 December when the black SUV carrying Joshua and his friends struck a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. The collision claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both long-time members of Joshua's inner circle who had been travelling with the boxer during what was meant to be a celebratory holiday period.
Joshua had been returning to Nigeria with his friends following his knockout victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. The trip was intended as a homecoming celebration to visit family, but instead turned into what Joshua described as an "unforeseen circumstance" that "flipped everything upside on its head."
Remembering "My Left and My Right"
In his poignant social media tribute, Joshua referred to the two men as "my left and my right" and "my brothers," emphasising their crucial roles in both his professional career and personal life. The boxer revealed that while he has experienced loss before, this particular tragedy has affected him in a profoundly different way.
"I've lost people before," Joshua admitted in the video. "But I don't think I've lost people like that. My left and my right... They were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers. I'm the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded."
The Professional Contributions of Joshua's Friends
Sina Ghami had been an integral part of Joshua's team for over a decade, serving as a strength and conditioning coach with specialisation in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise. His expertise contributed significantly to Joshua's training regimen and physical preparation throughout his championship career.
Latif Ayodele, described by Joshua as an old friend, worked as a personal trainer and had maintained a close relationship with the boxer for many years. Both men were remembered not just for their professional contributions but for the deep personal bonds they shared with Joshua and their families.
Joshua's Commitment to Supporting Families
The two-time world champion made clear his intention to support the families of his deceased friends, stating: "My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals. I'm going to do what's right by them, I'm going to do what's right by their family." He expressed particular admiration for how both men had developed strong characters over the years and acknowledged the pride their parents must feel.
Joshua extended his gratitude for the worldwide support he has received since the tragedy, offering solidarity to others who have experienced similar losses: "Thank you for the love worldwide. For anyone out there that's lost a son, a brother, one love to you."
Legal Proceedings Following the Crash
In connection with the fatal collision, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode has been charged with multiple offences including:
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving without a valid national driver's licence
Kayode appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court in southwestern Ogun State earlier this month, with the case adjourned until 25 February at the prosecution's request. The legal proceedings continue as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident that claimed two lives and left a boxing champion mourning the loss of his closest companions.
Joshua's tribute highlights not just the professional relationships within elite sports teams but the profound personal connections that develop between athletes and their support staff. The boxer's raw emotional response serves as a reminder of the human stories behind sporting achievements and the devastating impact such sudden losses can have on even the most celebrated public figures.
