Anthony Joshua Dedicates Comeback Victory To Friends Killed In Ogun Crash

Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, has dedicated his victory over Kristian Prenga to his late friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, after overcoming two knockdowns to secure a second-round knockout win.
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The bout, watched online, marked Joshua’s first fight since a car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, in December claimed the lives of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer.

Joshua entered the ring wearing camouflage attire bearing the names of the deceased coaches in their honour.

Speaking after the fight, the former world heavyweight champion described the victory as a tribute to their memory.

“It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.

“It was more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough,” he said.

Joshua, who started the contest as the overwhelming favourite, suffered a dramatic opening round after Prenga knocked him down twice within the first three minutes.

However, the British boxer recovered to dominate the contest, eventually stopping the Albanian in the second round to remain on course for a highly anticipated showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the former champion’s resilience, describing his performance as remarkable given the personal tragedy he had endured.

“To even step into the ring was astonishing,” Hearn said.

He added that Joshua had used his training camp to remain focused while coping with grief, noting that the fighter had shown exceptional determination after being knocked down twice.

Hearn also confirmed that contracts had been been signed for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury, although the date and venue have yet to be announced.

Anthony Joshua

Fury, who defeated 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, did not attend Joshua’s fight as he returned to the Isle of Man after his bout.

“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for and now we’re here.

“I hope the fans will enjoy it.

“I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.” Joshua added.
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Babachir Lawal: Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Has 70% Chance Of Winning In 2027 election

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said a joint presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso has a stronger chance of winning the 2027 presidential election than if both politicians had chosen to contest separately.
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Lawal made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday.

According to him, an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would stand a 70 per cent chance of victory, while he predicted that President Bola Tinubu would have a 50 per cent chance and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar would lose.

“Peter Obi will try to be fair to everybody. Peter Obi will try to do that which is right. Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, take note, I’m pairing them. I’m pairing them. Individually will be disaster, but I’m pairing them.

“So I’ll give them, on my own scale, close to like 70 per cent. Again, Bola, 50. Atiku, zero,” Lawal said.

“Definitely, Atiku will lose. He will, and I pray he loses. I’m not the only one, and he will lose,” he said.

Lawal’s comments come after his fallout with Atiku following his resignation from the African Democratic Congress.

Obi, Kwankwaso

The former SGF has repeatedly alleged that the ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party’s candidate was marred by widespread irregularities, claims the party has not officially accepted.
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NAF, Oyo Deepen Strategic Partnership To Advance Aviation Capability, Security And National Development

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Oyo State Government have taken significant steps towards strengthening institutional collaboration following a visit by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SK Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, on Friday, 24 July 2026.
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Discussions focused on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate strategic cooperation in the operation and maintenance of the Oyo State Government’s newly acquired Diamond DA-42 aircraft, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing aviation capability, security and sustainable development.

Governor Makinde expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its unwavering support to Oyo State, particularly its vital role during the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oriire Local Government Area.

He commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel, noting that the Service’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) personnel operated tirelessly, day and night, to provide critical situational awareness that significantly supported the operation.

The Governor further observed that the intelligence and operational insights shared by the Nigerian Air Force have also provided valuable perspectives that will help shape the State’s technology-driven security architecture and future security initiatives.

He also appreciated the Service for supporting the accommodation of the State’s aircraft and expressed the desire to expand collaboration in aviation operations and post-service housing initiatives for the benefit of both institutions.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Air Force, describing the proposed partnership as a reflection of the Service’s professionalism, operational excellence and enduring relationship with the people of Oyo State. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the State Government in areas of mutual interest, assuring that the necessary frameworks would be explored to facilitate a mutually beneficial collaboration.

NAF, Oyo

He further commended Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to continue fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen national security, promote innovation, enhance personnel welfare and accelerate socio-economic development.
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