Anthony Joshua at the crash site on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway where two team members died
On December 29, 2025, former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured and two of his close team members were killed in a fatal car crash on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The victims, identified as Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were longtime members of Joshua’s training entourage and are reported to have died at the scene. Joshua sustained minor injuries and is in stable condition in a Lagos hospital, officials and his promoter confirmed.
Two of Joshua’s close associates were killed on Dec 29, 2025 in Nigeria.
Crash occurred on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway near Makun after a vehicle collision with a stationary truck.
Joshua suffered minor injuries and is hospitalized in stable condition.
Officials believe excessive speed and overtaking efforts contributed.
Tributes and condolences have been issued by the Nigerian President and global boxing figures.
What Happened
On Monday, December 29, 2025, at around 11 a.m. local time, a Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and three others collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that the SUV was traveling at high speed and lost control during an overtaking maneuver, crashing into the parked vehicle.
Two people in the vehicle — Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami — were declared dead at the scene. Both were integral members of Joshua’s training team: Ayodele was his personal trainer and Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach. Joshua — seated in the back — escaped with minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in Lagos for observation.
A family friend of a victim described the moment as “one of the craziest, toughest days of my life” and praised the goodwill and support Ayodele showed throughout his life.
Public & Official Reaction
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences and confirmed he spoke with Joshua and the boxer’s mother, emphasizing that Joshua was receiving “the best possible care.”
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn issued a statement saying:
“With the heaviest of hearts … two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz.”
The incident also sparked road safety concerns in Nigeria, where authorities and public figures are using the crash to highlight the critical need for improved traffic management and road conditions.
Why It Matters
The deaths of Ayodele and Ghami are a significant loss to the boxing community. Both were trusted members of Joshua’s circle for over a decade, helping prepare him for major fights and shaping his physical training. Their passing has drawn widespread sorrow across international sports communities.
Additionally, the crash has reignited discussions about road safety on one of Nigeria’s busiest expressways. With a historically high rate of traffic fatalities in the region, experts believe this tragedy underscores systemic issues surrounding highway safety and enforcement.
An industry analyst commented, “High‑profile accidents like this often bring overdue attention to long‑ignored infrastructure and transport policy challenges.”
Context & Past Similar Events
Nigeria’s Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway has been the site of multiple serious accidents in recent years, often linked to speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and roadside hazards. According to safety officials, such highways account for a disproportionate number of road deaths each year.
For Anthony Joshua, once a prominent figure in global boxing, this crash comes just days after his knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025 — an event that had placed him back in the sport’s spotlight.
What Happens Next
Joshua remains hospitalized in Lagos under observation, with medical teams monitoring his recovery. Investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian police are ongoing to determine the final cause of the accident and whether road conditions or other factors played a role.
FAQs
Q: Who were the two people killed in the crash? A: They were Latif “Latz” Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach.
Q: Where did the accident occur? A: On the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, near Makun.
Q: What caused the crash? A: Preliminary investigations suggest speeding and loss of control during overtaking leading to collision with a stationary truck.
Q: Is Anthony Joshua okay? A: He survived with minor injuries and is in stable condition in a Lagos hospital.
Q: Has there been an official response? A: Yes, Nigeria’s President and boxing officials have extended condolences and praised the victims as integral to Joshua’s career.
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