Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who spoke with newsmen.

The 36-year-old boxer, who survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members, made the decision known to his family in private following last week’s tragedy.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” Adedamola told newsmen during a visit to the family home in Sagamu on Monday morning.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

A journalist asked if Joshua had communicated this decision to the family.

“Yes,” the uncle confirmed.

The boxing star has also committed to providing lifelong support to the families of his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who died in the car accident near Lagos last Monday.

Joshua broke his public silence on Sunday, sharing photographs with the bereaved relatives on Instagram. His post carried the caption “My Brothers Keeper”, accompanied by two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol representing protection. The phrase references a biblical passage from Genesis 4:9, conveying a moral obligation to look after others.

A source within Joshua’s camp told UK publication The Sun, “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives. He’s had the same team around him for his whole career, and that team included Sina and Latz.”

Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as his personal trainer, making both men integral members of his boxing camp.

The pair had travelled to Nigeria with Joshua to visit his family when tragedy struck. Their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Both Ghami and Ayodele were killed instantly at the scene.

Joshua had to be extracted from the wreckage by rescuers. The boxer was rushed to the hospital but escaped with only minor injuries.

Joshua attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque on Sunday, joining other mourners to pay his respects. The two coffins were positioned side by side as the Janaza – the Islamic funeral prayer – was read. Hundreds of members of the public had gathered outside the gates of the mosque before the coffins were taken to a nearby crematorium for the funeral service. A wake followed in the afternoon.

One of the indigenes in Sagamu, Adeniji Taiwo, expressed relief that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of the two friends.

“We thank God we didn’t lose our son, and for those who lost their children, God will help us to comfort them,” Taiwo said.

“I believe the fear will be there for him not to come back home, but I will advise him to come back home because he can’t leave his father’s place. This is his home.

“We feel bad that happened to our son, who was already almost home when he had the accident, but we thank God, and we pray nothing like that will happen to him again. There is nothing that can’t happen anywhere. God will continue to be with him, and all of us; no one in Remo wishes him evil, he is our glory.”

Joshua’s uncle also addressed concerns about the boxer’s relationship with Nigeria following the tragedy.

“There are a lot of things we have heard, but this is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith,” he said.

“Once something like that happens, emotionally, you can say anything, but as time goes on, you know this is (always) your root.”

On Friday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Adeniyi Kayode, who was driving the car with Joshua as a passenger, had been charged over the crash at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20.

Kayode’s lawyer told the Daily Mail, “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.

“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats. He did this because Anthony is a big fellow, and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move, and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”

Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in Nigeria following his sixth-round knockout win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has made his first social media post since a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.

Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident that killed his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, on Monday, December 29, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The 36-year-old boxer, who was discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve, returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday.

He made his first public comment since the accident in a post across his social media handles on Sunday.

Joshua shared the post, pictured alongside the families of Sina and Latz, with the caption “My Brother’s Keeper ❤️🕊️❤️.”

Anthony Joshua poses with the families of deceased friends. Source: Instagram | Joshua

The image, posted across his social media pages, shows the ex-heavyweight champion offering support and solidarity.

Both Sina and Latz will be laid to rest later on Sunday (today).

The accident occurred when Joshua’s SUV, carrying the boxer and three others, collided with a stationary truck due to reported brake failure.

Joshua, who had just arrived in Nigeria for a holiday following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul, narrowly escaped death after switching from the front passenger seat to the back moments before the impact, a move prompted by his size obstructing the driver’s view.

He sustained a leg fracture but was reported to be in stable condition without needing emergency medical intervention.

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to deliver thrilling football moments, attention has naturally shifted from the pitch to the stands ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Tunisia.

In recent days, social media conversations have raised questions about the number of Nigerian supporters backing the Super Eagles at the tournament venue, sparking a widespread debate.

While these conversations have been intense, the situation deserves clarity and context. At present, about 40 Nigerian supporters are on ground, proudly cheering the team courtesy of NSC
Though this number may seem modest, it does not reflect a lack of passion or commitment. It is also worth noting that this was not always the case.

Historically, Nigerian supporters were a global reference point for football fandom. Across Africa and beyond, supporter groups looked up to Nigeria’s fans for their unmatched energy, creativity, and presence. The rhythmic beating of drums, coordinated chants, white-and-green face paint, and the unmistakable colours of the nation transformed stadiums into cultural carnivals. There was truly nothing like them.

Globally, supporter clubs operate through a combination of voluntary contributions from members and corporate sponsorships, often complemented by support from governments and football federations. These layered funding structures make it easier for fans to travel, organize, and represent their countries at major tournaments.

The Nigerian Supporters Club, as a voluntary organization, operates under unique realities. Members are largely volunteers and do not manage the organization as a full-time occupation. Like many volunteer-driven bodies, it has faced structural challenges and internal wrangling, which may be affecting its ability to attract and retain corporate sponsorship. These challenges should be viewed with understanding rather than criticism, as they reflect the complexities of managing large voluntary groups.