Omoyele Sowore has criticized British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua for his displays of deference to Nigerian leaders, including President Tinubu and former President Buhari. Joshua’s recent visits and gestures, such as presenting autographed gloves, sparked controversy, with Sowore calling it shameful and accusing the boxer of pandering to Nigerian politicians.
Politician and publisher Omoyele Sowore has criticized British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua for his repeated interactions with Nigerian political leaders. Joshua, recently visited Nigeria for the New Year, and met with President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. During his visit to the state on December 30, 2024, Joshua was honored with a new boxing hall named after him. Governor Abiodun also gave him the Yoruba name "Omobowale," meaning "the child who has come home," in recognition of his strong connection to his Nigerian roots.
On January 1, 2025, Joshua also paid a New Year’s visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, where he presented the president with a personalized autographed boxing glove, which Tinubu described as a “symbol of perseverance and excellence.”
Joshua’s previous interactions with Nigerian leaders include meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, where he was photographed prostrating before Buhari in a gesture of respect. Sowore, known for his vocal critiques of Nigerian leadership, responded to Joshua’s recent gestures with disdain, calling it shameful.
On his X account, Sowore posted an image of Joshua’s meetings with Buhari and Tinubu, condemning the boxer for "genuflecting on the altars of evil Nigerian leaders" as if his career depended on it. Sowore's comment has sparked debates about Joshua's associations with Nigerian leadership figures.
