Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian boxing superstar, is in stable condition following a devastating car crash on Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of two close friends and key team members, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and is under observation in a Lagos hospital, while Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally called to offer condolences and prayers.
The crash happened just days after Joshua’s triumphant return to the ring, where he knocked out Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. He had traveled to Nigeria—his parents’ homeland—to spend time with family in Sagamu, Ogun State. What was meant to be a relaxing post-fight visit turned tragic on one of the country’s most notorious highways.
What Happened: Details of the Crash
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time near Makun in Ogun State. Joshua was a rear-seat passenger in a black Lexus SUV traveling with four others. According to preliminary reports from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was attempting an overtaking maneuver when it lost control—possibly due to excessive speed—and collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside verge.
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide noted that five adult males were involved: two died at the scene, one (Joshua) sustained injuries, and two escaped unhurt. Rescue teams arrived within minutes, and Joshua was extricated from the wreckage. Eyewitness accounts and circulated videos show him wincing in pain but able to walk with assistance into an emergency vehicle.
A joint statement from Ogun and Lagos state governments confirmed Joshua and another passenger were rushed to a specialized facility in Lagos. After thorough assessments, doctors declared both stable, with no need for emergency surgery. Joshua has been conscious throughout, speaking with family and assuring President Tinubu of his improving condition during their phone call.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, linking Nigeria’s economic hub to the southwest, is infamous for fatal accidents. Local media reports highlight it as the deadliest road in the country, with hundreds of fatalities recorded in recent years due to speeding, poor road conditions, and heavy truck traffic—especially during the holiday season when diaspora Nigerians return home.
Who Were Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele?
The two men killed were not just team members; they were integral to Joshua’s career and personal life for over a decade.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, a role he’d held through some of the boxer’s biggest fights. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London, specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and corrective exercise. Ghami had worked with elite athletes across the NFL and NBA. Just hours before the crash, he posted from Lagos airport alongside Joshua, capturing their arrival in Nigeria. Evolve Gym announced a closure on December 30 to mourn their “beloved owner.”
Kevin “Latif” (or “Latz”) Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer and a close confidant. Originally Kevin Ayodele, he converted to Islam in 2012, adopting the name Abdul Latif. A former semi-professional footballer who played for clubs like Aylesbury United and Northwood, Ayodele brought discipline and faith into Joshua’s training regimen. An Instagram story from earlier that day showed the pair laughing over a game of table tennis— a lighthearted moment now heartbreaking in retrospect.
Promoter Eddie Hearn described them as “two great men” and “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.” Tributes flooded in from the boxing world: Chris Eubank Jr. called them “genuinely good men,” while even Jake Paul posted, “RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif / Latz’ Ayodele,” emphasizing that “life is much more important than boxing.”
Joshua’s spokesperson issued a statement requesting privacy for the families, underscoring the profound sadness of losing “close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.”
President Tinubu’s Personal Call and National Response
In a poignant gesture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reached out directly to Joshua in the hospital. “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates,” Tinubu posted on X. He named the victims as Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, wished Joshua a speedy recovery, and prayed with him. The president also called Joshua’s mother, noting her gratitude.
This high-level involvement reflects Joshua’s status in Nigeria, where he’s celebrated for his heritage and achievements. Born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents, Joshua spent part of his childhood at a boarding school in Ikenne—near the crash site—and often honors his roots, including with a prominent Africa tattoo highlighting Nigeria.
The FRSC emphasized that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking remain leading causes of highway fatalities, pledging a full investigation. Ogun State police confirmed ongoing probes, with early indications pointing to a possible tire burst contributing to the loss of control.
Joshua’s Recent Triumph and What’s Next
This tragedy comes on the heels of Joshua’s dominant sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul, viewed by millions on Netflix. It marked a strong comeback after his 2021 title losses to Oleksandr Usyk, reigniting talks of major fights ahead—potentially against Tyson Fury in 2026.
From years covering the heavyweight scene, I’ve seen how these personal blows hit harder than any punch in the ring. Joshua has always drawn strength from his tight-knit team and Nigerian roots (he’s spoken openly about visits recharging him). Losing Ghami and Ayodele—men who were in his corner for the Paul prep—will test that resilience deeply.
Broader Context: Road Safety in Nigeria
Nigeria records thousands of road deaths annually, with highways like Lagos-Ibadan bearing the brunt. Heavy festive traffic, poorly maintained vehicles, and enforcement gaps compound risks. The FRSC’s quick response here was commendable, but systemic issues persist. This high-profile incident may spur renewed calls for improvements—something we’ve seen before after celebrity-involved crashes.
Tributes and Reactions from the Boxing Community
The outpouring has been immediate and heartfelt. Sonny Bill Williams shared photos with Ayodele, praying for ease on his loved ones. Shannon Courtenay reflected on life’s fragility, noting they were all celebrating in Miami just weeks ago.
Jake Paul’s response stood out for its grace, a reminder that rivalries fade in the face of real loss.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Reflection
Joshua remains under observation but is expected to make a full physical recovery. The emotional toll, though—that’s harder to gauge. He’s faced setbacks before, from ring defeats to personal challenges, and emerged stronger.
In the end, this serves as a stark reminder of fragility, even for someone built like a heavyweight champion. Our thoughts are with the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, and with Joshua as he heals. Boxing will wait; healing comes first.
