- British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital and flew back to the UK on January 3, 2026, following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
- Two close team members, Sina Ghami (strength and conditioning coach) and Latif “Latz” Ayodele (personal trainer), tragically died in the accident on December 29, 2025.
- Joshua sustained minor injuries and is stable, described as “heavy hearted” by authorities.
- Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode faces charges including dangerous driving causing death; funerals for victims scheduled in London on January 5, 2026.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Anthony Joshua’s visit to Nigeria turned tragic when the Lexus SUV he was traveling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The incident occurred around midday local time on December 29, 2025.
Joshua, seated in the rear, escaped with minor injuries requiring hospital observation. Nigerian authorities confirmed his stability and discharge on January 1, allowing home recuperation in the UK.
The crash claimed the lives of two passengers: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, long-time friends and essential team members. Joshua visited a funeral home in Nigeria before departure to pay respects.
Preliminary reports suggest a burst tyre caused loss of control during overtaking, though investigations continue.
Tributes to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, instrumental in preparations for landmark fights like the 2017 Klitschko victory. Latif Ayodele acted as personal trainer, providing unwavering support.
Promoter Eddie Hearn led tributes: “Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz… deepest prayers.” Boxers including Chris Eubank Jr., Jake Paul, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury expressed condolences, emphasizing their character.
Funerals are set for January 5 at a London mosque, with bodies repatriated. Family requests privacy during mourning.
| Timeline of Events |
|---|
| December 29, 2025: Crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway |
| January 1, 2026: Joshua discharged from hospital |
| January 3, 2026: Joshua returns to UK |
| January 5, 2026: Funerals in London |
Anthony Joshua’s safe return to the UK on January 3, 2026, offers relief amid profound sorrow following the December 29 car crash in Nigeria. The former two-time heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries but lost two cherished team members: Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
The accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway involved Joshua’s Lexus SUV colliding with a truck. Authorities rescued Joshua promptly; hospital checks confirmed no serious harm.
Ghami’s decade-plus partnership shaped Joshua’s physical prowess across eras. Ayodele’s training and friendship extended beyond professional—recent social media captured joyful moments.
Tributes reflect universal admiration: Hearn’s heartfelt words, Eubank’s praise for “good men,” Paul’s life-over-rivalry sentiment. Usyk/Fury offered private support.
Nigerian officials described Joshua as “heavy hearted.” His Sagamu roots—family visit for New Year—added personal layer.
Legal proceedings advance: driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode charged with dangerous driving causing death, bailed pending conditions, case adjourned to January 20.
Joshua’s post-Paul win trip—knockout December 19—highlighted resilience before tragedy.
This loss transcends boxing: friends first, professionals second. Community unites in grief and support.
Joshua’s privacy respected as he heals. Future plans secondary; emotional recovery paramount.
The incident reminds of life’s fragility—even for sporting giants.
