Fears are growing that British boxing star Anthony Joshua sustained more serious injuries than initially reported after being involved in a fatal road traffic accident in Nigeria on Monday. The horrific crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends and team members.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The incident occurred on the morning of Monday, 30 December 2025, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway just outside Lagos. According to a statement from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), a black Lexus Jeep collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck.
The FRSC confirmed that five adult males were involved. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives, one sustained injuries, and two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive from the scene and taken to hospital with what were first described as minor injuries.
Preliminary findings from the road safety corps indicate that the Lexus Jeep was suspected to have been travelling beyond the legal speed limit. It reportedly lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the truck, which was parked at the side of the road.
Victims Identified and Worsening Injury Concerns
The two men who died have been named as Kevin 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both integral members of Joshua's inner circle. Ayodele was a personal trainer, while Ghami served as a strength and conditioning coach.
In a poignant social media post mere hours before the accident, Joshua shared an image of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele, captioning it: "@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke." Another recent photo showed the pair shirtless by a pool, a nod to Joshua's knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami earlier in December.
Despite initial reports of 'minor' injuries for the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, sources close to Joshua now fear the damage could be more severe. The Daily Mail reports that concerns within his team include potential rib and knee injuries, suggesting his condition may be worse than first thought. He remains in a stable condition under hospital observation.
Outpouring of Tributes and Official Statements
The boxing world has been quick to offer condolences. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, led the tributes, posting on Instagram: "With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG released a joint statement confirming the tragic passing of Ayodele and Ghami. The statement read: "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected."
The statement also confirmed Joshua's hospitalisation, adding that no further comment would be made at this time and requesting privacy for those grieving.
The remains of the deceased were conveyed to the Livewell Morgue in Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division has been notified to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
