What was meant to be a quiet return to his roots became a life-altering moment for one of boxing’s most recognizable figures.
Anthony Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is recovering after surviving a serious car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and longtime members of his team. The tragedy unfolded far from the bright lights of packed arenas and pay-per-view headlines, offering a stark reminder that even global sports icons are vulnerable to sudden, devastating loss.
The crash occurred late Monday morning on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest and most dangerous highways. Joshua was traveling in a Lexus Jeep alongside members of his inner circle when the vehicle collided with a stationary car near Sagamu, in southwestern Nigeria.
Two men did not survive.
Two close allies lost
Anthony Joshua’s team later confirmed that the two people killed in the crash were Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele — both described as “close friends” and essential members of the boxer’s support system.
Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer and confidant for more than a decade. Ghami worked as a strength coach and physiotherapist, responsible for helping the heavyweight manage the physical toll of elite competition.
Together, they were more than staff. They were constants — present during training camps, recovery sessions, victories, defeats, and the long, unseen grind that defines a championship career.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that five adult males were involved in the crash.
“A total of five adult males were involved in the crash,” the agency said in a statement. “Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”
Joshua injured but stable
Joshua, 36, was rushed to a nearby hospital following the collision. Officials and representatives later confirmed he suffered minor injuries and was in stable condition. He was able to speak with family members and remains under medical observation.
Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged the incident while emphasizing that Joshua’s condition was not life-threatening.
“We are still gathering information,” Hearn said. “The most important thing is that Anthony is stable. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.”
A representative for Joshua told British media that the boxer’s UK-based team is coordinating with Nigerian authorities and medical professionals as details continue to emerge.
A road known for danger
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway stretches approximately 127.6 kilometers (79.3 miles) and connects Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, with Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. It is a critical commercial route — and one with a grim reputation.
The expressway has long been associated with serious traffic accidents, attributed to congestion, speeding, breakdowns, and ongoing construction in some areas. Safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement and infrastructure upgrades.
Authorities said Monday’s crash occurred near Sagamu, a town in Ogun State. Joshua is understood to have family ties to the area, adding another layer of personal significance to the tragedy.
Investigators have not yet released a full accident report, and the cause of the collision remains under review.
A trip rooted in heritage
Joshua was in Nigeria on a personal visit, reconnecting with his heritage just days after a high-profile fight that once again placed him at the center of the boxing world’s attention.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Joshua has frequently spoken about his pride in his roots. His trips to Nigeria are often low-key, focused on family, reflection, and grounding himself away from the demands of elite sport.
This visit, however, would end in unimaginable loss.
Just hours before the crash, Ayodele was seen spending time with Joshua, including playing table tennis — a simple moment that has since taken on painful significance for fans and supporters.
Who were Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele?
Latif Ayodele, widely known as “Latz,” was a familiar presence to anyone who followed Joshua’s journey closely. On social media, where he used the handle healthy_mindset, Ayodele shared motivational messages and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life inside an elite training camp.
Friends describe him as a grounding force — someone who balanced intensity with perspective.
Sina Ghami, a strength coach and physiotherapist, worked largely away from the spotlight but was instrumental in helping Joshua manage injuries, conditioning, and recovery. In a sport where physical margins are razor-thin, Ghami’s role was critical.
Both men were trusted not just with Joshua’s performance, but with his well-being.
Nigerian president reaches out
Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, personally contacted Joshua following the crash, offering condolences and support.
“I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident,” Tinubu wrote in a post on X. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him.”
The president said he also spoke with Joshua’s mother, who he described as “deeply appreciative” of the outreach.
Tinubu added that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had been at the hospital and assured him that Joshua would receive the best possible medical care.
“May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed,” the president said.
Boxing world reacts
News of the crash reverberated across the boxing community.
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman paid tribute to the two men, describing them as “close friends to the champ.”
“Deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sina and Abdul Latif, members of Team Joshua and close friends to the champ,” Sulaiman wrote. “Sympathy for their families and friends during these difficult times.”
Fighters, trainers, and fans echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the often-unseen contributions made by trainers and support staff whose work rarely earns headlines but is essential to success at the highest level.
Jake Paul responds
Jake Paul, who recently shared the ring with Joshua in a bout that drew global attention, also acknowledged the tragedy.
While the two fighters had been positioned as rivals in the buildup to their match, Paul’s response struck a respectful tone, offering sympathy to Joshua and the families affected by the crash.
The reaction underscored how quickly competitive narratives fade when real-world tragedy intervenes.
Beyond championships and contracts
For Joshua, the crash represents something far deeper than a temporary interruption to his career.
Known for emphasizing loyalty and brotherhood within his team, the boxer has often spoken about surrounding himself with people he trusts implicitly — individuals who understand both the demands of elite sport and the pressures of global fame.
Ayodele and Ghami were part of that foundation.
Those close to Joshua say the emotional toll of the loss is profound and will far outlast his physical recovery.
A pivotal moment in a storied career
The timing of the tragedy is especially striking.
Joshua had been building momentum after recent performances reignited discussions about another potential run at a world title. At 36, the heavyweight division’s landscape remains competitive, but Joshua’s name continues to command attention.
Whether and when he returns to the ring will depend not just on physical readiness, but on emotional recovery — something far harder to measure.
For now, sources say, boxing is not the priority.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including the condition of the vehicles involved and why a stationary car was present on the expressway.
The FRSC has reiterated calls for caution on major highways and emphasized the importance of road safety compliance.
No further injuries beyond those already reported have been confirmed.
A reminder beyond sport
As fans around the world process the news, the incident serves as a sobering reminder that life’s most defining moments often happen far from stadiums and scorecards.
Joshua’s story — usually told through belts, knockouts, and comebacks — has entered a chapter marked by grief, resilience, and reflection.
Messages of support continue to pour in, many focusing not on Joshua’s next fight, but on honoring the lives of two men whose impact was felt quietly, consistently, and deeply.
For Anthony Joshua, the road ahead now stretches beyond the ring — shaped not by opponents or rankings, but by loss, healing, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
Time Africa Magazine will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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