British boxing icon Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car crash on Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025. He sustained minor injuries and is in stable condition in a Nigerian hospital, but the collision tragically killed two of his closest team members — strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele. The crash reportedly occurred when the vehicle lost control and collided with a stationary truck while overtaking at speed.
A Closer Look at the Crash — Verified Details
Where and When It Happened
The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. local time on Monday, December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun in Ogun State — one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways.
This expressway, stretching over 120 km from Nigeria’s economic hub Lagos toward the interior, is notorious for high speeds, mixed traffic conditions, and frequent overtaking maneuvers — factors that compound the risk of severe crashes.
Who Was In the Vehicle — And What Happened
The Occupants
Joshua was traveling in a Lexus SUV with at least three others. The two individuals who died were:
- Sina Ghami — strength and conditioning coach, long-time member of Joshua’s training team.
- Latif “Latz” Ayodele — personal trainer and close friend of Joshua.
Both men were integral to Joshua’s preparation and recovery cycles, especially after high-intensity fights — roles that make this loss particularly poignant for the boxing community.
Joshua himself was seated in the rear of the vehicle and was conscious and responsive after the crash.
Crash Circumstances
According to official statements from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and corroborated by multiple news outlets:
- The SUV was traveling at excessive speed and attempting an overtaking maneuver.
- It lost control and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
- Two passengers died at the scene, while two others walked away unhurt.
Witness accounts also emerged suggesting a possible tire burst before the crash, although officials have not confirmed this detail.
Anthony Joshua’s Condition and Response
Medical Status
Joshua was transported to a specialized hospital facility in Lagos and evaluated by medical professionals. His condition is described as stable, with no immediate need for emergency intervention following clinical assessments.
Photos circulating on social media and in news outlets show Joshua sitting shirtless and visibly shaken, surrounded by shattered glass — a stark visual testament to the force of the crash.
Statements from Team and Officials
A statement from Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional team, confirmed:
“With profound sadness… two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also reached out to Joshua and the families of the victims, offering condolences and prayers.
Meanwhile, promoter Eddie Hearn expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the shock and sadness felt across the global boxing community.
The Broader Implications — Safety on Nigerian Roads
Why These Crashes Happen
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway sees a mix of personal cars, commercial trucks, buses, motorcycles and pedestrians, often leading to aggressive driving behaviors like high-speed overtaking.
The FRSC specifically cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as primary factors — issues that are leading causes of fatal road crashes across Nigeria.
Road Safety in Context
Infrastructure challenges, heavy holiday traffic (especially at year’s end), and inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws can amplify risk. The tragedy involving Joshua highlights a persistent safety problem on major corridors, despite ongoing government and private efforts to improve conditions.
Reactions from the Boxing World & Public Figures
Jake Paul’s Reaction
Joshua’s recent opponent — and current boxing heavyweight celebrity — Jake Paul, publicly expressed his sympathy. Paul took to social media to remind fans:
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
This reaction underscored a rare moment of solidarity in a sport often defined by rivalry.
Tributes Pour In
Online reactions from boxing peers, fans, and Nigerian sports figures have reflected a sense of collective mourning — both for the loss of Ghami and Ayodele and for Joshua’s narrow escape. Many noted the emotional weight of surviving such a traumatic event shortly after a major career victory.
What Happens Next — Investigation & Aftermath
Ongoing Official Probe
Nigerian police and the FRSC are investigating the exact circumstances of the crash, including vehicle speed, tire condition, driver actions, and road factors.
Given the prominence of the individuals involved, expect detailed reporting from both local authorities and international road safety experts in the coming days.
Joshua’s Boxing Future
This incident occurs shortly after Joshua’s knockout win over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025, a high-profile victory that had many speculating about a potential 2026 bout with Tyson Fury.
At this point, no official statement has been released about his fight schedule — and with the emotional toll of losing close friends, the focus will likely be on recovery and tribute rather than competition.
Conclusion: A Tragic Turn in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua’s involvement in a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is more than just a sensational headline — it’s a human story of survival mixed with deep loss. Two trusted members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were lost in the crash, leaving a gap in his professional and personal life. Meanwhile, Joshua himself is recovering in hospital, with officials confirming his injuries are not life-threatening.
This tragedy also serves as a sharp reminder of the ongoing road safety challenges across major transport corridors in Nigeria — where high speeds, mixed traffic, and roadside hazards contribute to frequent, often deadly, accidents.
For now, the focus globally remains on supporting Joshua, honoring Ghami and Ayodele, and understanding how such a crash could have been prevented.
