British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two close associates who died in a road accident in Nigeria, describing them as “great men” and praying for their families as investigations continue.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash and later flew back to the United Kingdom, where he attended the funeral of the victims at a mosque in London on Sunday.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, the former world champion thanked the public for their support and reflected on the loss.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua 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.
“100% 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.”
One of the victims, Ghami, was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and had worked closely with the boxer for more than a decade. The other, Ayodele, was a long-time friend and personal trainer. Hours before the fatal crash, Joshua had shared a video of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele on social media.
On Sunday, Joshua posted photos showing him seated with his mother and family members of the deceased, including the mothers of Ghami and Ayodele, as well as an image of himself holding a photograph of Ghami.
Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court. Police sources told the BBC that the charges include causing death by dangerous driving. The accused was granted bail of 5 million naira (£2,578) and remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to January 20.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State near the crash site. According to a family member, the 2012 Olympic champion was travelling to visit relatives in Sagamu for New Year celebrations when the collision occurred.
