The two men killed in the car crash that left Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria have been named as close friends and team members of the former world heavyweight champion.
British-Nigerian boxer Joshua, 36, was travelling in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when it collided with a stationary truck on Monday morning. The crash, which happened near Makun in Ogun State, left two people dead and the boxer with minor injuries, BBC News reports.
Authorities have now identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both long-time members of Joshua’s training and support team.
According to reports, Ayodele worked as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami was his sport and exercise rehabilitation coach.
The confirmation came in a joint statement from Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG, released shortly after the fatal crash. The statement read: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.”
The crash unfolded at around 11:00AM local time, with Nigerian authorities saying the Lexus Jeep was suspected of overtaking at speed before hitting the broken-down truck by the roadside.
Footage posted to social media appeared to show bystanders helping Joshua from the wreckage before his security team transported him to hospital. Police later confirmed the boxer suffered minor injuries but was “fine.”
The Ogun State Government, in a joint statement with Lagos State, confirmed that Joshua is “stable” and recovering under observation.
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients [Joshua and a second passenger] are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time,” the statement read. “A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
Officials added that Joshua is “conscious” and “has been in communication with his family.”
They also confirmed that “investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have commenced,” with both vehicles involved now in police custody at the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division office.
Jake Paul, who fought Joshua earlier this year, was among the first to offer public condolences following confirmation of the victims’ identities.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer posted on X: “RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif / Latz’ Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.”
Earlier, Paul had also written: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
His promotional company, MVP – Most Valuable Promotions, added: “The MVP family is thinking of and praying for everyone that has been impacted by today’s car accident in Nigeria. Our prayers and condolences go out to all.”
What Happened?
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, five people were in the car at the time of the collision. Two were killed, two escaped unharmed, and Joshua was rescued with minor injuries.
The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major but notoriously dangerous route that local journalist Mayeni Jones described as “one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads.”
Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, was reportedly travelling to visit relatives at the time. A family member told the BBC the family was “in shock,” adding that Joshua “normally visits Nigeria around the new year.”
The deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have sparked an outpouring of grief and support across the boxing world. Both men were widely respected within Joshua’s camp and were said to be instrumental to his physical preparation and rehabilitation.
Tributes have continued to flood social media, with fans, colleagues, and fellow fighters expressing sympathy for Joshua and the victims’ families.
As investigations continue, Joshua remains under medical supervision and in stable condition, and the focus is on honouring the lives of two men described by his team as “close friends and team members”.
Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Featured image credit: Instagram/sina_evolve
