Anthony Joshua issued with national identity number as he affirms his Nigerian citizenship

WORLD heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been issued with a National Identity Number (Nin) and has applied for a national identity card during a recent visit to Abuja where he affirmed his Nigerian citizenship.

On December 7 last year, Joshua regained his four belts after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in a rematch that took place in Saudi Arabia after losing his titles last June. Gearing up for his next fight, Joshua has been on holiday in Nigeria over the last week, visiting Abuja and his ancestral home town, Sagamu, in Ogun State.

While in Abuja, Joshua visited the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) centre, where his data was captured and he was issued with a Nin. He then travelled to Sagamu where he was received by the traditional ruler the Akarigbo of Remoland Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi.

Arriving to a rapturous welcome from residents, Joshua, who himself is from the Sagamu royal lineage, met with local youths. Local residents made it clear that Joshua only lives in the UK but Sagamu is his home.

Fatai Oluwabunmi, a local tailor, said: "His visit was impromptu but between minutes of his arrival at the Elepe palace, supporters in their hundreds were on the streets to receive him. I was particularly excited to see him as a son of the soil. His family house is just five houses from mine, so I see us as neighbours.”

Joshua regained his belts after a unanimous decision as the three judges gave him the fight 118-110, 119-109 and 119-109. He thus reclaimed the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight titles in front of a 15,000-capacity crowd at the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.