Renowned global boxing star Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a tragic auto crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
The accident occurred last Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, when the vehicle conveying the former world heavyweight champion rammed into a stationary truck. The impact proved fatal for Joshua’s long-time personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, both of whom died at the scene.
Joshua, a Nigeria-born British boxer, survived the crash after sustaining minor injuries. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where he received medical attention and was later discharged on New Year’s Eve after doctors confirmed his condition was stable.
The incident has cast a sombre mood over the boxing community, with fans and colleagues across the world paying tribute to the late Ayodele and Ghami, described as key figures behind Joshua’s career and physical conditioning.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been concluded for the deceased. The remains of Ayodele and Ghami are expected to be laid to rest on Sunday, with funeral prayers scheduled to take place at a mosque in London.
In a related development, police authorities confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident are ongoing.
