As the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou draws near, the small Nigerian town of Sagamu is gearing up to cheer on their favourite son. In what promises to be a thrilling bout, the long-standing sporting rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon will be reignited, captivating fans on both sides of the border.
Joshua’s deep-rooted connection to Sagamu and his Nigerian heritage has endeared him to the community, making him a source of inspiration for many young Nigerians. Sagamu, located near Lagos in southwest Nigeria, holds a special place in the Joshua family’s history, as it is their ancestral hometown. The upcoming fight is expected to bring the town to a standstill, as hundreds of people gather to witness the battle on specially arranged screenings.
Raymond Ajakaye, Joshua’s cousin, emphasizes that boxing runs in their bloodline, attributing their toughness to their shared family history. Ajakaye states, “We fought through a lot. This is where I would think he got the [boxing] gift from.” Sagamu, with a population of half a million people, has been deeply impacted by Joshua’s rise to prominence. The town proudly boasts its own Anthony Joshua Fan Club, which has garnered thousands of followers on social media. In recognition of his achievements, a street has been renamed in Joshua’s honour, replacing the former Cinema Road.
The road named Anthony Joshua Way is not only a meeting place for his fans but also serves as a hub for aspiring boxers. Plans are underway to establish a gym on the road, aiming to unearth the next boxing sensation in Sagamu. This initiative highlights Joshua’s commitment to supporting and nurturing talent in his ancestral home.
Born in the UK to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent, Joshua remained connected to his Nigerian roots throughout his childhood, having spent time attending a boarding school in Nigeria. His pride in his African heritage is evident through his tattoos, as he sports an outline of the African continent on his right shoulder, specifically highlighting Nigeria’s border. In addition, he often incorporates Nigerian music, including tracks from renowned artists like Burna Boy and Femi Kuti, during his ring-walks.
The paramount ruler of Sagamu, the Akarigbo, expresses his admiration for Joshua, acknowledging the strong familial ties between them. He describes Joshua as humble, level-headed, and deeply committed to his craft. The town, he assures, will continue to offer prayers and support for their beloved son.
Joshua’s visit to Sagamu in 2021 further cemented his connection with the town. He met with members of the fan club and dignitaries, strengthening the bond between himself and the community. Ajakaye explains, “He’s a kid with a lot of respect, and he’s well brought up, respecting his elders.”
With fight nights in Sagamu becoming the stuff of legends, Kayode Segun-Okeowo, the president of the Anthony Joshua Fan Club, notes that it has become a tradition for the town to rally behind their adopted son. Past victories have been celebrated with live viewing events and exuberant victory parties. Segun-Okeowo expresses confidence in Joshua’s abilities, stating, “Joshua has defeated better boxers. I don’t see him beating our own Anthony Joshua.”
As anticipation builds, the town of Sagamu finds itself in a state of frenzy, eagerly awaiting Joshua’s clash with Ngannou. The heavyweight contest not only stokes the flames of the age-old rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon but also symbolizes the unwavering support and belief in their local hero. In Sagamu, there is no doubt that come fight night, the streets will be filled with jubilant cheers and unwavering faith in Anthony Joshua’s ability to emerge victorious.
Image Credit: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash
