British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom and is expected to attend the funerals of his two close friends, who tragically lost their lives in a horrific car crash in Nigeria. The former heavyweight world champion was a passenger in the vehicle during the accident.
Details of the Tragic Accident and Joshua's Recovery
The fatal crash occurred in Nigeria last week, claiming the lives of Joshua's friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was discharged from a Nigerian hospital on New Year's Eve after a period of observation for concussion. He flew back to the UK on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, to continue his recuperation.
In a poignant gesture before departing Nigeria, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their respects. The bodies of Ayodele and Ghami have since been repatriated to London for today's funeral ceremonies.
Funeral Arrangements and Services in London
The sombre day of remembrance will see separate services held for each of Joshua's friends. A Janaza prayer ceremony for Latif Ayodele, affectionately known as Latz, will be held at the London Central Mosque from 10am. This will be followed by the funeral service for Sina Ghami at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium, commencing at noon.
A joint wake for both men is scheduled for approximately 3pm at the Cavendish Banqueting Hall in North West London. Initial reports over the weekend indicated Joshua was undecided about attending the London events, having already paid his respects in person in Africa.
Revelation of Seat Swap Before the Crash
New details surrounding the accident have emerged from the driver's legal representative. Lawyer Olalekan Abiodun informed the Daily Mail that Anthony Joshua had initially occupied the front passenger seat but swapped places with Latif Ayodele at the driver's request.
"The driver asked him to swap seats because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly," Abiodun stated. "He did this... and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony." This fateful decision ultimately placed Ayodele in the front seat prior to the collision.
Anthony Joshua, born in Watford and raised in North London and Hertfordshire, is now back on home soil as his community mourns the devastating loss of two young lives.
