By: Demilade Azeez-
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been photographed attending the funerals of two of his close friends and team members who were tragically killed in a devastating car crash in Nigeria late last month.
Grief-stricken family, friends, and members of the boxing and wider community gathered at the London Central Mosque on Sunday for Janazah (Islamic funeral) prayers in honour of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both of whom died at the scene of an accident on December 29, 2025, when a Lexus SUV car driving the group crashed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just six hours after they landed in Nigeria.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The group were heading to Joshua’s family home in Ogun State for new year’s celebrations when the fatal accident occurred. Joshua sustained minor injuries, following what was a miraculous escape for the former world heavyweight boxing champion.
The driver of the car, Adeniyi, Mobalaji Kayode has been charged with four counts of dangerous driving, and driving without a license. He is due to appear in court on January 20. Officials said he was speeding beyond the legal limit- an allegation the driver who for the past three years has been hired to chauffeur Joshua during his visits to the West African nation vehemently denies.
The driver revealed during questioning to police that Joshua initially sat in the front seat, but he asked him to swap with one of his friends already seated at the back seat, so that he could have better view of the side mirror when driving.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Footage and images show Joshua wearing black and taking part in the solemn ceremony alongside mourners.
In the days leading up to the funerals, Joshua returned to the United Kingdom to be with the families of the deceased following his discharge from a Lagos hospital. Before the services, he shared his first public message since the crash on social media, posting a photograph with relatives of Ghami and Ayodele and captioning it “My Brother’s Keeper.” The heartfelt post drew widespread messages of support from fans and peers.
The repatriation of the bodies to London allowed loved ones to begin funeral arrangements, with hundreds paying their respects at the mosque. The sombre occasion reflected deep sorrow within both the British and Nigerian communities, highlighting the personal loss behind headlines about one of boxing’s biggest figures.
Joshua has also pledged ongoing support to the families of his late friends, underscoring the close bonds he shared with Ghami and Ayodele both professionally and personally.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar