Tears, Grief As London Central Mosque Holds Funeral Prayers for Anthony Joshua’s Friends
“Rest in power, my brothers Sina and Abdul. Your impact on my journey is eternal," a bereaved Anthony Joshua who was present at the funeral wrote on X.
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Tears flowed freely amid the ambience of signs of visible grief held sway on Sunday among family, friends, and the boxing community who converged on the halls of the iconic London Central Mosque where funeral prayers were held to bid farewell to two close associates of British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua who recently lost their lives in a car crash in Nigeria - Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the service, which held in the heart of London’s Regent’s Park, underscored the deep bonds within Joshua’s inner circle and highlighted the multicultural fabric of the UK’s sports family.
Sina Ghami, a prominent figure in Joshua’s professional entourage, served as a key trainer and confidant, contributing to the boxer’s rigorous preparation for high-stakes bouts. Reports from boxing insiders and social media tributes portray Ghami as a dedicated mentor whose expertise in strength conditioning and tactical strategy played a pivotal role in Joshua’s career triumphs, including his unified heavyweight titles. Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, equally integral to the team, managed logistics and personal support, often described by peers as the “glue” holding Joshua’s camp together during grueling training camps and global tours. Ayodele, with his Nigerian roots, brought a vibrant energy that resonated across Joshua’s diverse team.
The funeral, conducted in line with Islamic rites, drew a subdued yet respectful crowd, including members of Joshua’s camp and representatives from the British-Nigerian community. Anthony Joshua himself was present at the proceedings and had issued a heartfelt social media statement earlier today: “Rest in power, my brothers Sina and Abdul. Your impact on my journey is eternal.
Eyewitness accounts from the mosque shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) captured the somber atmosphere, with attendees offering prayers and reflections on the men’s legacies.
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