In a heartbreaking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond, British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a devastating car accident in Nigeria on Monday morning. The incident, which occurred on one of the country’s busiest and most notorious highways, resulted in the tragic deaths of two of Joshua’s longtime friends and team members, while the boxer himself sustained minor injuries. Joshua, who has deep familial roots in Nigeria, issued a poignant statement through his management, expressing profound sorrow and requesting privacy during this difficult time.

The crash unfolded around 11 a.m. local time on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, near the bustling city of Lagos. According to preliminary reports from Nigerian authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and Ogun State Police, Joshua was a passenger in a luxury Lexus SUV driven by a locally hired chauffeur. The vehicle was traveling at high speed when it attempted an overtaking maneuver, lost control—possibly due to a tire burst—and collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadside. The impact was catastrophic, wrecking the SUV and leading to immediate fatalities at the scene. Witnesses described a chaotic aftermath, with onlookers gathering as emergency responders arrived swiftly, though the remote stretch of the expressway, known for its heavy traffic and poor road conditions especially during holiday seasons, complicated rescue efforts.

Five adult males were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Two escaped unharmed, but the collision claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both integral parts of Joshua’s inner circle. Ghami, in his mid-30s, served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, playing a crucial role in preparing the fighter for some of his most grueling bouts. Ayodele, also in his mid-30s and known affectionately as “Latz” or “Lateef” after converting to Islam, was a personal trainer and close friend whose relationship with Joshua predated the boxer’s rise to fame. Ayodele had a background in football, having played for several English clubs including Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, and Northwood, before transitioning into fitness training. Just hours before the tragedy, Joshua had shared a lighthearted video on social media of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele, underscoring the deep bond they shared.

Joshua, seated in the rear of the SUV, was fortunate to survive with only minor injuries. He was quickly extracted from the wreckage by his security team and rushed to a specialized medical facility in Lagos for evaluation and treatment. Medical updates confirm that the 36-year-old is in stable condition, conscious, and under observation, with no need for emergency surgery. Sources close to the situation report that Joshua has been in communication with his family and is receiving top-tier care, bolstered by support from local authorities. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua, offering condolences for the loss of his associates and wishing him a speedy recovery. In a public message, the president highlighted his conversation with the boxer, noting Joshua’s assurance that he was in good hands and extending prayers to the affected families.

The statement released by Joshua’s team through Matchroom Boxing and his management company, 258 BXG, captured the raw emotion of the moment: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today. With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.”

This somber announcement came amid a wave of tributes and reactions from the global boxing community. Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing and Joshua’s longtime promoter, who was on holiday when the news broke, expressed his grief in a heartfelt message: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.” Hearn’s words echoed the sentiment that Ghami and Ayodele were not just colleagues but pillars of “the Anthony Joshua machine,” always present during training camps, fights, and personal milestones.

Even rivals showed solidarity. Jake Paul, the YouTube star-turned-boxer whom Joshua had decisively defeated just ten days earlier in a high-profile bout in Miami on December 19, 2025, took to social media to share his thoughts: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” Paul’s message highlighted the fragility of life beyond the ring, especially poignant given their recent clash, where Joshua secured a knockout victory in what was billed as a generational showdown.

The accident has also drawn attention to road safety issues in Nigeria, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, often dubbed one of the nation’s deadliest routes due to factors like speeding, poor maintenance, and heavy commercial traffic. The Federal Road Safety Corps arrived at the scene within minutes, but the incident underscores ongoing challenges during the festive season, when many Nigerians, including those from the diaspora like Joshua, travel to reunite with family. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation, with early findings pointing to excessive speed and improper overtaking as primary causes. The Ogun and Lagos state governments have jointly pledged to examine the circumstances, including vehicle conditions and driver behavior, to prevent future tragedies.

Anthony Joshua’s connection to Nigeria runs deep, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the event. Born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents, Joshua spent part of his childhood in the country, attending boarding school in Ikenne, Ogun State—about 53 miles from the crash site. His family hails from Sagamu, near the accident location, where he has been honored as a sports ambassador. Plans were underway to build an indoor boxing venue in his name in Ogun, reflecting his commitment to giving back to his ancestral homeland. Joshua was in Nigeria following his triumphant return to the ring against Paul, a fight that marked his comeback after a 15-month hiatus. The victory, his first major win since reclaiming the heavyweight titles in previous years, had positioned him for potential mega-fights, including a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.

Joshua’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, embodying resilience and determination. Rising from humble beginnings, he first gained international acclaim by winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, a feat that launched him into professional boxing. Under the guidance of promoters like Hearn, Joshua quickly ascended to stardom, capturing multiple world heavyweight titles, including the IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO belts. His notable victories include triumphs over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, a legendary bout at Wembley Stadium that drew 90,000 fans, and rematches against Andy Ruiz Jr., where he avenged a shocking upset loss. However, setbacks, such as back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, tested his mettle, leading to a period of reflection and rebuilding.

Beyond the ring, Joshua has built a brand as a philanthropist and role model. Through his company, 258 Management, he invests in community projects, including youth boxing programs in the UK and Nigeria. His visits to Nigeria often involve charitable work, such as supporting hospitals and providing care packages, as he has publicly discussed his desire to drive lasting change in the country. In a 2020 social media post amid Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests, Joshua voiced his support for reforms, stating, “I pray God opens the gates for the heroes of Nigeria! This was never a trend for me! It’s real life and I want to learn how to make lasting change.” Such statements reveal a man deeply connected to his heritage, using his platform to advocate for social issues.

The crash occurred as Joshua was en route from Lagos to Ogun State to celebrate the New Year with family, a trip that symbolized his ongoing ties to his roots. Tragically, Ghami had just arrived in Lagos that morning, posting a photo from the airport, while Ayodele had been enjoying downtime with Joshua, as seen in the table tennis video. The sudden loss has left a void in Joshua’s team, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow athletes, and public figures. Boxing expert Steve Bunce described the victims as “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine,” emphasizing their unwavering presence in his life.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing and remembrance. Joshua’s family, including his mother, has been in close contact, with the president also speaking to her to offer support. The boxing world holds its breath, hoping for Joshua’s full recovery while mourning the irreplaceable loss of Ghami and Ayodele. In a sport defined by physical battles, this real-life ordeal serves as a stark reminder of vulnerability. Joshua, ever the fighter, will undoubtedly draw on his inner strength to navigate this grief, but the scars from this day will linger long after the physical wounds heal.

In the wake of this tragedy, calls for improved road safety in Nigeria have intensified, with advocates urging better infrastructure and stricter enforcement. For Joshua, a man who has conquered opponents in the ring, this challenge is profoundly personal. As he recovers, the global community stands with him, honoring the memory of two men who helped shape one of boxing’s greatest stories.