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Watch the former heavyweight champion danced to fuji music on his return to Nigeria.
British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua warmed hearts this festive season with a surprise visit to his hometown in Ogun State, Nigeria.
A video of the heavyweight champion enjoying the vibrant atmosphere has gone viral on social media, showcasing the two-time world champion moving gently to fuji music as locals gathered around to celebrate his presence.
Anthony Joshua sparks reactions after Christmas visit to Nigeria
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The viral footage captured AJ, 35, exuding calm and humility as he swayed to the music while a man danced close to him and whispered something inaudible.
Joshua’s unguarded moment drew admiration and nostalgia from fans on social media, with one commenting, “Home sweet home. Anywhere you go... Always remember the way to your home.”
Another added, “Who no enter Nigeria this year? I’m wondering what motivated it; everybody run back this December.”
A third user joked, “Omo na only for 9ja dey celebrate Christmas this year?”
Anthony Joshua, also known as AJ, has cemented his status as one of boxing’s biggest names.
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Born Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, in Watford, Hertfordshire, he the son of Yeta and Robert Joshua.
His mother is Nigerian, while his father has both Nigerian and Irish ancestry, with Joshua’s roots tracing back to the Yoruba people/
Joshua's cousin, Ben Ileyemi, is also a professional boxer, and the two made their professional debuts together in 2013.
Joshua spent part of his childhood in Nigeria, attending Mayflower School in Ikenne as a boarding student before returning to the UK at age 12 following his parents' divorce.
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Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, he was affectionately called "Femi" by friends and teachers, a nod to his middle name, Oluwafemi.
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The former two-time world heavyweight champion has shared the ring with legends like Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, and Andy Ruiz.
Despite recent setbacks against Daniel Dubois, Joshua’s legacy as a global sports icon remains intact, having held the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles twice between 2016 and 2021, before losing twice to Usyk.
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