Two close friends and long-standing members of Anthony Joshua’s inner circle have been confirmed dead following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that also left the former two-time world heavyweight champion hospitalised with minor injuries.

Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were travelling in the same vehicle as Joshua when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at around 11 am local time on Monday, according to Nigerian authorities. The collision occurred along one of the country’s busiest and most dangerous highways, which links Ogun State with Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, survived the crash and is currently in a stable condition under medical observation, his promoters and Nigerian officials have confirmed. The boxer, who is of Nigerian heritage, had been holidaying in Africa just days after his high-profile knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Victims Identified As Integral Members Of Joshua’s Team

Matchroom Boxing, which promotes Joshua, and his management company 258 MGT issued a joint statement late Monday confirming the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as “close friends and team members”.

“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” the statement read.
“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to the hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”

Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and was widely regarded as a crucial figure behind the boxer’s physical preparation. Ayodele, known affectionately as “Latz”, was a trainer and confidant who had been by Joshua’s side for more than a decade. Friends and colleagues described both men as “great men” and “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine”.

Haunting Final Moments Shared Online

The tragedy has been deepened by footage shared just hours before the crash, showing Joshua and Ayodele laughing and playing table tennis together. Both men posted videos on Instagram earlier that day, appearing relaxed and in high spirits.

Ayodele, who was known on social media as healthy_mindset, had built a following around wellness, discipline, and mental resilience. In a video posted days before his death, he spoke candidly about the importance of enjoying life, a message that has since taken on a heartbreaking resonance.

Photos circulating online after the crash showed Joshua being extricated from the wreckage, visibly wincing in pain as emergency responders assisted him.

Conflicting Accounts Over Cause Of Crash

Authorities have offered differing explanations regarding the cause of the collision, which remains under investigation.

Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) initially suggested that excessive speed and a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre were factors. According to FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, preliminary findings indicated the Lexus SUV was “travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, and crashed into a stationary truck parked along the road”.

However, Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo later told ESPN that a burst tyre caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, swerving into the parked truck. The truck was reportedly stationary by the roadside at the time of the collision.

It is understood that the driver of the vehicle survived and was locally hired, with no personal or professional ties to Joshua or his team.

Government And Official Responses

In a joint statement, Lagos and Ogun State governments confirmed that two patients hospitalised after the accident were in stable condition and did not require emergency medical intervention.

“Following thorough clinical evaluations, medical professionals have confirmed that both patients are stable,” the statement said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that emergency services were dispatched immediately, while Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, personally contacted Joshua in the hospital.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates,” Tinubu wrote on X.

“I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”

Tinubu added that he also spoke with Joshua’s mother, offering prayers and condolences.

Boxing World Reacts As Joshua’s ‘Wild And Tragic’ Year Ends

Promoter Eddie Hearn said Joshua would remain in hospital for observation, while boxing figures across the world expressed shock and sympathy.

Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated just days earlier, posted: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

A boxing analyst described Joshua’s end to the year as “wild and tragic”, coming just days after a career-reviving victory that had reignited discussions of future mega-fights, including long-standing talks of a potential clash with Tyson Fury in 2026.

Deep Ties to Nigeria

Joshua has long spoken of his deep connection to Nigeria, the homeland of his parents. He briefly attended boarding school there at the age of 11 and returned in 2019 for the first time in 17 years ahead of his rematch victory against Andy Ruiz Jr.

His visit this month was meant to be a private holiday and a reconnection with his roots following a demanding year in the ring. Instead, it has ended in tragedy.

Investigation Ongoing

No further details have been released about Joshua’s injuries, and authorities have said investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing. Matchroom and 258 MGT have requested privacy for all those affected and stated that no further comment will be made at this time.

As tributes continue to pour in, the focus has shifted from boxing to loss, grief, and unanswered questions surrounding yet another fatal accident on one of Nigeria’s most notorious highways.

For Anthony Joshua, a figure accustomed to the brutal risks of the ring, the reminder has been stark and devastating: some of life’s hardest blows come far from the spotlight.