Boxing-Nigeria: Sagamu backs Anthony Joshua against Francis Ngannou
Anthony Joshua can count on Sagamu. The town near Lagos is the boxer's ancestral home.
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The fight between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua is the talk of the town. The two heavyweights meet this Friday 08 March in Saudi Arabia in a clash that promises fireworks. Across Africa, almost everyone is backing the Cameroonian, but there is at least one place that is firmly in the Briton's corner: the town of Sagamu. Located in Nigeria, it is the ancestral home of Joshua's family. For the locals, nothing could be more natural than supporting one of their own. They have even set up a fan club in his honour (founded in 2016) to show their affection for the 34-year-old fighter. A road also bears his name.
Read also: Anthony Joshua: "Ngannou is the biggest challenge of my life"
In Sagamu, Anthony Joshua's fights are shown live on screens set up for the occasion in front of the palace of the Akarigbo, the rulers of the region. The boxer, born to a Nigerian mother and an Irish-Nigerian father, has never hidden his roots in Nigeria and the African continent. He even has a tattoo of the continent. Joshua also spent part of his childhood in the land of the Super Eagles, which helped him absorb certain values. Osiberu, one of the town's residents, told BBC Sport Africa: "AJ is level-headed and committed to what he does. He is very humble and doesn't let success go to his head. Beyond that, he likes to connect with his roots. We wish him the best and will keep praying for him."
Ngannou is no match for him
Raymond Ajakaye, another Sagamu resident, shares that view. "We all have a strong bond, even if we don't meet regularly and his visits home haven't been frequent because of his career. He is a child with a lot of respect and he is well brought up, respectful of his elders". Kayode Segun-Okeowo, president of the Anthony Joshua fan club, for his part insists that Francis Ngannou will not be able to match him.
"My expectations for his next fight are positive. Joshua has beaten better boxers. I don't see him (Ngannou) beating our very own Anthony Joshua." Sagamu is therefore convinced that its son will get the better of Ngannou. The answer comes on 08 March.
Read also: Francis Ngannou: "I can't wait to start the fight"