Offshore Correspondent
Gloria Nosa
British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been thrown into deep mourning following the burial of two of his closest associates, Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Nigeria late last year.
Ghami and Ayodele were laid to rest in London after their remains were flown back to the United Kingdom. Funeral prayers for the deceased were held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects.
Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer and a trusted member of his inner circle. Both men were widely regarded as indispensable to Joshua’s professional journey and personal life, making their deaths a devastating blow to the boxer and the wider boxing community.
Joshua, who survived the crash with minor injuries, was visibly emotional as he attended the burial ceremony at Hendon Cemetery. He stood alongside grieving family members, close friends and supporters to honour the men he described as brothers.
The fatal accident occurred on December 29, 2025, when a black SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos. While Joshua survived the impact, Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene.
The 36-year-old former world champion was hospitalised for several days following the incident and was discharged on New Year’s Eve before returning to the United Kingdom.
Upon his return, Joshua broke his silence on social media, sharing a photograph with his mother and members of the bereaved families. He captioned the post simply: “My Brother’s Keeper,” a message that resonated deeply with fans and supporters around the world.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, identified as 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court. The case was adjourned to January 20, with the driver facing charges that include causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
The tragic loss has continued to draw tributes from across the global boxing community, many of whom have described Ghami and Ayodele as dedicated professionals whose contributions to Joshua’s career will never be forgotten.
