British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has confirmed that two of his close friends died in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday morning. Joshua sustained minor injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for treatment.
An official statement from Joshua's camp identified the deceased as Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Lateef' Ayodele, both integral members of his team. Ghami was a strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer. The driver of Joshua's vehicle was also injured.
The accident occurred at about 11am on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun state. Police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said Joshua's car hit a stationary vehicle. The Nigeria federal road safety corps attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
Joshua, 36, was taken to an undisclosed hospital and is in stable condition. Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences and said he spoke with Joshua to wish him a full recovery. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute to the deceased.
