British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is set to attend a solemn Janaza prayer service in London this morning for two close friends and team members tragically killed in a car accident in Nigeria. The fatal crash also left Joshua hospitalised.
Prayer Service Details and Fatal Accident
The Janaza (funeral) prayer for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele is scheduled for 10 am today at the London Central Mosque, located at 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG. This arrangement was confirmed in programmes shared with The Guardian on Sunday, barring any last-minute changes.
The tragedy occurred near Lagos, Nigeria, when the vehicle carrying Joshua, Ghami, Ayodele, and another passenger collided with a stationary truck on a major road. The accident claimed the lives of Ghami and Ayodele, while Joshua sustained injuries that required hospital treatment.
Joshua's Return to the UK and Team's Profound Loss
Anthony Joshua returned to the United Kingdom on Friday night via a private jet that landed at London Stansted Airport. He was then transported to his mansion to continue his recuperation. He is expected to be present at the prayer service alongside his mother and other family members.
The loss represents a devastating blow to Joshua's inner circle. Sina Ghami served as Joshua's full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, playing a pivotal role in preparing the 36-year-old former heavyweight champion for career-defining fights. His expertise contributed to Joshua's iconic title victory against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and his recent win over Jake Paul this month.
Beyond his work with Joshua, Ghami's professional repertoire included training high-profile athletes like former NFL star Le'Veon Bell and NBA champion Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, also a personal trainer, was a longtime friend. In a poignant twist, Joshua had shared an Instagram video just hours before the crash showing the pair playing table tennis together, highlighting their close bond.
Impact on Boxing Career and Future Plans
The accident has cast a shadow over Joshua's immediate professional future. He was in Nigeria celebrating the New Year with family when the disaster struck. Joshua had recently made a successful return to the ring after a year-long hiatus, defeating Jake Paul in a lucrative bout streamed on Netflix.
His planned fight schedule, which included a bout in Saudi Arabia in February and a potential blockbuster match against Tyson Fury later in 2026, is now understandably secondary as he mourns and recovers. The boxing world watches as one of its biggest stars grapples with this profound personal loss.
