British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has confirmed that two of his close friends died in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday morning. The former world champion was also injured in the accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
In a statement, Joshua’s spokesman said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.” Joshua sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment; he is in a stable condition and remains under observation.
Ghami served as a strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer in Joshua’s camp. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute, saying: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Ogun state police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said Joshua’s car hit a stationary vehicle at about 11am. The driver of Joshua’s vehicle was also injured. Nigeria’s federal road safety corps reported that five adult males were involved; two died, one was injured, and two escaped unhurt. Preliminary findings suggest excessive speed and wrongful overtaking caused the crash.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered condolences, saying: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.”
Joshua, 36, has family ties in Sagamu, near the crash site. He recently defeated YouTuber Jake Paul in a boxing match and was expected to fight Tyson Fury next year. Paul wrote on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
