London was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday as family members, friends and figures from the global boxing community gathered to bid farewell to two close associates of former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, who died in a tragic road accident in Nigeria .

The Janaza (funeral prayer) for the late Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele took place at the London Central Mosque, drawing a large crowd of mourners who came to pay their final respects to the men widely regarded as key members of Joshua’s inner circle.

Ghami and Ayodele lost their lives last Monday in a fatal road crash while on a visit to Nigeria. Joshua, who was also involved in the accident, survived with only minor injuries. The boxer was said to have been travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck.

Following the Janaza prayers, Ghami’s burial was scheduled to take place later in the day at the Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium, while a joint wake in honour of both men was planned for 3pm at the Cavendish Banqueting Hall in North West London.

The tragic incident has sparked renewed concerns over road safety and accountability, with legal processes already underway in Nigeria. Ahead of the funeral rites, the remains of both Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom.

Anthony Joshua, 36, who was born in Watford and grew up across North London and Hertfordshire, was treated in hospital and discharged on New Year’s Eve. The loss of his close associates has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory period following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Joshua, who is of Nigerian heritage, had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday after the high-profile bout, a trip that ultimately ended in tragedy.