Anthony Joshua has been injured in a serious car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his inner circle, sending shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond. The British heavyweight boxer was travelling as a passenger when the vehicle he was in collided with a stationary commercial truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos. The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, at around midday local time, on the busy Lagos Ibadan expressway.
The former world champion survived the crash and was taken to hospital for medical checks and treatment. His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that Joshua was in a stable condition and would remain under observation. However, the tragedy claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both described as close friends and key members of Joshua’s professional team.
“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,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statement.
The loss of Ghami and Ayodele has been deeply felt across the boxing community. Eddie Hearn, chair of Matchroom Boxing, paid tribute to the pair, describing them as “two great men.” He added, “Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
According to boxing expert Steve Bunce, the two men were central figures in Joshua’s career and daily life. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Bunce said they were “two of Joshua’s closest friends” and “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.” He explained, “They’ve been with him, if not from the start, at least very early on. Latz is AJ’s personal trainer, and Sina is his strength and conditioning man. They are with him all the time.”
In the hours leading up to the crash, Joshua had shared moments of his time in Nigeria on social media. He posted a video on Instagram showing himself and Ayodele playing table tennis, a casual glimpse into their close bond. Ghami had also recently shared posts from Lagos, highlighting how active and connected the team was during the trip.
What do we know about the Nigeria car crash involving Anthony Joshua?
Preliminary details from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps indicate that the crash involved two vehicles, a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red commercial truck parked by the roadside. Based on early findings, the Lexus was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit.” The agency added that the car appeared to have “lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre” before crashing into the stationary truck.
Images released by the FRSC showed a heavily damaged vehicle at the scene, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. Video footage circulating from the site captured the dramatic aftermath, including Joshua being assisted out of the back seat of the wrecked SUV. Local officials confirmed that Joshua and the driver were rescued by his security team before being evacuated for medical care.
A joint statement from the Ogun and Lagos state governments said Joshua was stable, conscious, and had already been in contact with his family. Earlier descriptions from officials stated that Joshua had “narrowly escaped death” and that a “comprehensive investigation” would be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Lagos Ibadan expressway where the incident occurred is known for its high traffic volume and accident risk, especially during the festive season. Many Nigerians living abroad return home at this time of year, increasing congestion and pressure on road safety systems.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua following the crash. In a post on X, he said he had spoken to the boxer to express his condolences and wish him a “full and speedy recovery.” He added, “AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”
Why were Anthony Joshua and his team in Nigeria?
Joshua has strong personal and cultural ties to Nigeria. Born in Watford, England, he has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State located close to the crash site. He had been spending time in the country following his recent high profile victory over American YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul on December 19, 2025.
The boxer was reportedly travelling from Lagos to Ogun State when the accident happened. According to a relative who spoke to the BBC and asked not to be named, news of the crash came as a “shock” to the family. They said they were hoping for his “speedy recovery” and offered prayers for those who lost their lives. The family had been expecting Joshua to join them in Sagamu for New Year celebrations, a plan that underscored the personal nature of the trip.
Joshua’s connection to Ogun State goes beyond family visits. His lineage in the area spans several generations, and he is a respected figure in the local community. There are already plans underway to build a new indoor boxing venue named after him in Ogun, where he serves as a sports ambassador. The project reflects his influence and commitment to supporting sports development in the region.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Ghami and Ayodele, whose contributions to Joshua’s career were significant. Ghami had served as Joshua’s full time strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade, playing a key role in preparing him for some of the biggest fights of his career, including the recent bout against Jake Paul. Beyond boxing, Ghami was also a co founder of the London based gym Evolve, which announced it would close on December 30, 2025, stating it was doing so “as we mourn the loss of our beloved owner.”
Jake Paul also reacted publicly to the news, posting on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
As investigations continue, attention remains on Joshua’s recovery and on honoring the lives of the two men who stood beside him throughout much of his journey. The incident has highlighted both the fragility of life beyond the ring and the deep personal bonds that underpin elite sporting careers.
By Lucky Anyanje
