By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
BRITISH-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been discharged from hospital “clinical(ly) fit” but emotionally devastated, as official condolences were issued for the two friends who died whilst travelling with him in a road accident last Sunday.
The heavyweight former world champion was released from Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi late Wednesday, following the crash on 29 December 2025 that tragically killed his two close friends, named by the state governments as Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami.
In a joint statement signed by the information commissioners of both Lagos and Ogun states, the governments extended their “deepest commiserations” to the families of the deceased.
“We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
Joshua, 35, was said to be “heavy hearted and full of emotions” upon his discharge.
Earlier on Wednesday, he and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to Mr Ayodele and Mr Gami, whose bodies were being prepared for repatriation to their families this evening.
The joint communiqué, signed by Lagos’s Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, and his Ogun State counterpart, Kayode Akinmade, expressed profound appreciation for the widespread public concern and “show of love” following the incident.
The governors of both affected states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, also extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “fatherly support throughout the process.”
Special praise was reserved for the medical team at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi, who treated Joshua and other injured parties.
“The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable,” the officials noted.
Whilst Joshua recuperates at a private residence, the focus remains on the grieving families.
The sporting world, alongside officials in Nigeria, now mourns the untimely loss of the two young men at the centre of this tragic event.
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