'God kept me in the presence of great men': Anthony Joshua breaks down after tragic loss

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua paid a heartfelt tribute on Thursday to two close friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Nigeria, calling them “brothers” and “great men.”

Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the December 29 crash, returned to England after being discharged from hospital and attended the funerals of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in Nigeria last Sunday.

Taking to Instagram, Joshua expressed his grief and gratitude for the outpouring of support. “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’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. One hundred percent, 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.”

Ayodele, who worked as Joshua’s personal trainer, and Ghami, his long-time strength and conditioning coach, both died instantly in the crash.

Nigerian authorities have charged the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with “dangerous driving causing death.” The accident occurred on a busy highway connecting Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria when the Lexus SUV carrying the trio collided with a stationary truck.

Joshua, 36, who has family roots in Nigeria, had been on holiday in the country following his December 19 victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.

Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.