Anthony Joshua has penned an emotional message to his two associates who died in a car accident along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua shared the heartfelt message on his Instagram page on Thursday, reflecting on the loss of his close aides following the fatal crash on December 29.
The former heavyweight boxing champion sustained minor injuries in the incident, while Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, lost their lives.
The 36-year-old boxer was treated for his injuries and discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve before returning to the UK.
Joshua later visited the bereaved families and attended the funeral prayer of his late friends at the London Central Mosque.
In the emotional post, Joshua said he only realised the value of those around him after their deaths, describing the loss as deeply painful.
Joshua said he did not realise he was “in the presence of great men” until he lost his close associates, adding that while the loss has been difficult for him, it has been even harder for their families.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are,” the post reads.
“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. 100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian police 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 licence.
A magistrate’s court adjourned the case until January 20. The defendant was granted bail of N5,000,000 but remains in custody pending fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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