- British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital in Nigeria on January 1, 2026, following a car crash on December 29, 2025.
- Two close team members, Sina Ghami (strength and conditioning coach) and Latif Ayodele (personal trainer), tragically died in the accident.
- Joshua sustained minor injuries and is stable, recuperating at home while described as “heavy hearted.”
- Preliminary investigations point to a burst tyre causing loss of control on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Details of the Tragic Accident
Anthony Joshua experienced a harrowing car crash while visiting Nigeria after his December 19, 2025, victory over Jake Paul. The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State around midday local time.
The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others collided with a stationary truck. Nigerian authorities reported two immediate fatalities, Joshua with minor injuries requiring observation, and two survivors unhurt.
Joshua, in the rear seat, received prompt care from his security team. Hospital checks confirmed stability, allowing discharge to recuperate privately.
The crash’s cause—preliminary reports cite a burst tyre leading to loss of control during overtaking—remains under investigation. Police detained the driver for questioning.
Tributes to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
The boxing world mourned Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, integral to Joshua’s team for over a decade. Ghami, Joshua’s strength coach, shaped preparation for major fights, including the 2017 Klitschko win.
Ayodele served as personal trainer, offering constant support. Recent social media showed them enjoying table tennis together.
Promoter Eddie Hearn led tributes: “Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz… deepest prayers.” Boxers like Chris Eubank Jr., Jake Paul, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury expressed condolences.
Family statements requested privacy amid grief. Bodies prepared for repatriation.
| Key Tributes to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele |
|---|
| Eddie Hearn: “Two great men… deepest prayers” |
| Chris Eubank Jr.: “Genuinely good men… Rest in Peace” |
| Jake Paul: “Praying for the lost lives and AJ” |
| Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury: Personal condolences |
Anthony Joshua’s discharge from hospital in Nigeria on January 1, 2026, brings relief amid profound tragedy. The December 29 crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed lives of two cherished team members: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua’s Nigeria trip—celebrating his Paul knockout and family ties (Nigerian heritage)—turned devastating. Minor injuries allowed home recovery, but emotional toll weighs heavily.
Ghami’s decade-plus role crafted Joshua’s physical edge for iconic bouts. Ayodele’s training and friendship provided constant support.
Tributes poured in: Hearn’s heartfelt post, Eubank’s praise for “good men,” Paul’s prayers prioritizing life over rivalry. Usyk and Fury offered private support.
Authorities’ joint statement noted Joshua’s “heavy hearted” state. Driver detention and tyre burst reports guide ongoing probe.
Joshua’s resilience—post-2024 layoff comeback—faces new test. Boxing community unites in support.
This incident reminds of sport’s fragility: triumphs like Paul win juxtaposed with sudden loss.
Joshua’s privacy respected as he heals physically and emotionally. Future plans secondary to grief.
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