In a message shared via Instagram, Joshua wrote: “Nigeria, thank you for your energy, generosity & kindness.” The post, widely seen as a farewell note, resonated deeply with fans who flooded the comments with words of encouragement and admiration.
One supporter, Gbadia Figheghawei, urged Joshua to “Go and take over the world,” while Olumayowa Odejimi offered backing for a potential third title reign, commenting, “We are behind you champ 3x.” Another fan, @iamdx2, added, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.”
Joshua’s time in Nigeria has been filled with memorable moments and symbolic gestures. From a widely shared video of the former champion receiving a humble street-side haircut to candid interactions with locals in Sagamu—his ancestral hometown—Joshua embraced every aspect of his heritage with pride. His connection to Nigeria runs deep, symbolized by a tattoo of Africa on his shoulder, with the Nigerian borders visibly marked.
The heavyweight fighter also mingled with the country's elite during a high-profile appearance at the birthday celebration of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. His presence at the event alongside influential Nigerian billionaires further highlighted his cultural and personal ties to the West African nation.
Now 35, Joshua had travelled to Nigeria to complete his recovery from an injury sustained in his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. The visit, while therapeutic and celebratory, also marked a significant turning point in his career. According to his promoter Eddie Hearn, Joshua is preparing for what may be the final chapter of his time in professional boxing.
“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn recently told Sky Sports. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
As speculation swirls around potential opponents for Joshua’s return, one name that continues to surface is American former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Despite a recent string of losses, Wilder has publicly expressed interest in a long-anticipated bout with Joshua, potentially setting the stage for a mega-fight in 2026.
Meanwhile, in a bizarre yet humorous twist, controversial Nigerian street-pop star Portable made headlines for claiming he’s ready to fight Joshua, following his self-declared victory over fellow artist Speed Darlington. “Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” he boasted, even proposing a N100 million purse.
As Joshua boards his flight back to England, he leaves behind a trail of admiration and excitement. For fans in Nigeria, the visit was not just about celebrity appearances—it was a celebration of shared roots, identity, and hope for yet another glorious chapter in the career of one of boxing’s most iconic figures.