Anthony Joshua returns to UK for friends’ funeral after Nigeria crash

Anthony Joshua returns to UK for friends’ funeral after Nigeria crash

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly flown back to the UK to attend the funeral of two close friends who died in a tragic car crash in Nigeria.

Joshua was involved in the fatal accident on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where a Lexus SUV carrying the boxer and members of his team collided with a stationary truck.

Two of his close associates, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died at the scene.

Read Also: How Anthony Joshua ‘cheated death’ after swapping seats minutes before fatal crash

The 36-year-old boxer sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital in Lagos, where he received treatment before being discharged on New Year’s Eve.

According to Sky Sports, Anthony Joshua has since returned to the UK ahead of the funeral prayers for Ghami and Ayodele, which are scheduled to take place at a London mosque on Sunday.

Read Also: London funeral prayer for Anthony Joshua’s friends Ghami, Ayodele scheduled for Sunday

Nigerian police have charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with dangerous driving causing death. He is expected to appear in court on January 20.

Authorities confirmed that while Joshua and the driver survived with minor injuries, the two members of his team were pronounced dead at the scene.

Ghami and Ayodele were described as integral members of Joshua’s inner circle, having worked closely with him for years. Their deaths have cast a deep shadow over what had been a celebratory period for the boxer.

Joshua had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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