The boxing world and the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom were united in grief as they laid to rest two close associates of heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The funeral service for Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sani Ghami was held in London on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following their tragic deaths in a car accident in Ogun State on December 29, 2025.
Heartfelt Tributes and Personal Moments
Anthony Joshua, present at the ceremony after visiting the families of the deceased, was a central figure in the somber event. Attendees took to social media to share intimate details and observations from the day, painting a picture of a deeply personal farewell for the two men who were integral to Joshua's team. Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as his personal trainer.
Alistair Soyode, a UK-based Nigerian, posted a photo from the ceremony on Facebook. He detailed the boxer's actions prior to the service and shared his observations about the diverse gathering of mourners who came to pay their respects in London, highlighting the widespread impact of the loss.
Unusual and Emotional Sightings
Another attendee, a lady named Rebecca (@honeymck23 on Instagram), captured something unusual above the graves of the young men. She quickly snapped a photo and shared it online, explaining its significance to curious followers as the event continued to trend. Her post, from a friend of Latif, added a layer of unique personal symbolism to the public narrative.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments was captured by TikTok user @max.millione2. He filmed a video showing Sina Ghami's dog approaching his master's coffin, a silent and powerful tribute that moved many who saw the clip online. The emotional reaction to the video underscored the deep personal bonds severed by the accident.
A Father's Perspective and Family Reflections
The father of Latif Ayodele also shared his perspective, posting a rare video from the burial reception held at an indoor venue in London. The heartbroken man showed guests at the gathering and spoke about his son's fame and the character of those who attended, offering a family's viewpoint amidst the public mourning.
In related news, the tragedy has prompted serious personal reflection for Anthony Joshua. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed that the boxer informed his family he was considering retirement following the devastating crash that claimed his friends' lives. This potential career shift adds a significant layer to the story, indicating the profound effect the loss has had on the champion.
The collective accounts from these four attendees provide a multifaceted, emotional portrait of a funeral that resonated far beyond the immediate circle of the deceased, touching the worlds of sports, the Nigerian diaspora, and all who followed the heartbreaking story.
