British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, his camp confirmed. The accident occurred on Monday morning on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, according to Ogun state police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo.
Joshua, 36, was taken to hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition. The driver of his vehicle was also injured. The two deceased were identified as Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, and Kevin 'Lateef' Ayodele, a trainer in his camp.
An official statement from Joshua's spokesman said: 'It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm... the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Lateef' Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony's team.' The statement requested privacy for the families.
Nigeria's federal road safety corps said preliminary findings indicate the Lexus SUV was travelling above the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, crashing into a stationary truck. The agency described excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as serious traffic violations.
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences, saying he had spoken with Joshua to convey his sympathy. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, writing: 'With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz.'
