Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken his silence following a horrific road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members, an event from which he narrowly escaped with his own life.
The Fatal Incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The tragic collision occurred on December 29, 2025, as Joshua was travelling to visit relatives for the New Year. His Lexus SUV was involved in a crash on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after reportedly striking a stationary vehicle. Nigerian police have indicated that a preliminary investigation suggests the cause was a "tyre burst due to excessive speed."
The accident had devastating consequences, fatally injuring Joshua's strength coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. Associates of the boxer described the pair as being far more than employees, stating they were considered "family" and integral parts of his inner circle.
A Fateful Seat Change and Emotional Aftermath
In a twist of fate that likely proved lifesaving, Joshua had moved from the front passenger seat to the rear of the vehicle just minutes before the impact. He was asked to switch seats because his "large physique was obstructing the view" of the driver's wing mirror. This simple act is believed to have been crucial in his survival.
Despite escaping with only minor physical injuries, eyewitnesses reported that Joshua appeared "dazed" and "unable to speak" as he was helped from the wreckage. The emotional toll, however, has been profound. Upon returning to the UK, the boxer shared a heartfelt social media post titled "My Brother's Keeper", featuring images of him supporting the grieving families. He confided to friends that the reality of the loss "still hasn't sunk in" and the gravity of the situation "still hasn't hit me yet."
In a public tribute, Joshua wrote: "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn't even realise how special they are. I'll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men." While recovering, he shared his sombre reflection on the tragedy with friend and former UFC champion Kamaru Usman, stating simply: "Life is short, man. Life is short."
Legal Proceedings and an Uncertain Future in Boxing
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, now faces serious legal repercussions. He has been charged with four counts, including dangerous driving causing death and operating without a valid licence. A Nigerian police spokesperson confirmed the driver was granted bail but "remanded pending when he meets his bail condition" by a magistrate's court.
The future of Anthony Joshua's boxing career now hangs in the balance. In the wake of the tragedy, his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, claimed the fighter has "retired from boxing" to spare his family further emotional trauma. While promoters acknowledge that "boxing will certainly be the last thing on his mind," the former champion has not yet made any formal public announcement regarding his retirement from the sport.
The two men were laid to rest following Islamic Janaza funeral prayers at the London Central Mosque on January 4, 2026. Thousands of mourners, including a grieving Joshua, attended the service to honour Ghami and Ayodele, who were remembered for the significant roles they played in his career, before their burial at Hendon Cemetery.
