The funeral prayers for Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, close friends and members of the support team of boxing star Anthony Joshua, will take place in London on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Janaza prayer is scheduled to begin at 10am at the London Central Mosque on Park Road, a well-known place of worship that often hosts large community gatherings.
The announcement was made on Saturday in a statement shared by Boxing King Media. The statement said the bodies of the two men had been returned to the United Kingdom after a tragic road accident in Nigeria. It added that family members, friends, and members of the boxing community are expected to attend the service to pay their last respects. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones,” the statement said.
Ghami and Ayodele died in a car crash on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Ogun State, Nigeria. The accident happened along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of the busiest highways in the country. The road links Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre, to Ibadan and other parts of the South-West. It is known for heavy traffic and has recorded many accidents over the years, often involving trucks and long-distance vehicles.
According to reports, the Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and members of his team collided with a stationary truck in the Makun area of the expressway. Ghami, who served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, also known as “Latz,” his personal trainer, died at the scene. Joshua was involved in the accident but escaped with minor injuries and later received medical attention.
The news of the crash shocked fans in Nigeria and abroad, especially because Joshua is a popular figure with strong ties to the country. Although born and raised in the United Kingdom, Anthony Joshua is of Nigerian heritage and has often spoken about his roots. He has visited Nigeria several times and enjoys a large following among Nigerian boxing fans and young people who see him as a role model.
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were seen as key members of Joshua’s inner circle. Ghami was known for his work in fitness and conditioning, helping athletes prepare their bodies for high-level competition. Ayodele, on the other hand, was a trusted personal trainer who worked closely with Joshua on training routines and recovery. Their deaths have been described by those close to the boxer as a huge personal and professional loss.
After the accident, arrangements were made to return the bodies to the United Kingdom for burial. Repatriation is often chosen by families who live abroad, allowing loved ones to be laid to rest closer to home. The London Central Mosque was selected for the Janaza prayer because of its capacity and its importance to the Muslim community in the UK. The mosque, located near Regent’s Park, regularly hosts funeral prayers for people from different backgrounds.
The funeral on Sunday will bring together family members, friends, and colleagues from the world of sports. Members of the boxing community are also expected to attend to show support for Joshua and the families of the deceased. While the service will be held in London, many fans in Nigeria are expected to follow the proceedings and offer prayers from afar.
The tragedy has also renewed discussion about road safety in Nigeria, especially on major highways like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Despite ongoing repair work and safety campaigns, accidents remain common. Many Nigerians have called on authorities to improve road conditions, enforce traffic laws, and ensure that broken-down or parked trucks are properly marked to prevent collisions.
As preparations continue for the funeral, tributes have continued to pour in for Ghami and Ayodele. Friends and colleagues have described them as dedicated professionals and loyal friends. For Anthony Joshua, the loss comes at a difficult time, reminding many that behind fame and success, athletes also face personal pain.
Sunday’s Janaza prayer will serve as a moment of reflection and farewell, as loved ones gather to honour the lives of two men whose work and friendship left a lasting mark on those around them.