British boxing great Anthony Joshua was injured and two of his closest team members were tragically killed in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, in a devastating incident that has shocked the global sporting community. The accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of the country’s busiest highways, when the vehicle in which Joshua was traveling collided with a stationary truck. The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief and raised serious questions about road safety in Nigeria.
According to Nigerian authorities and statements from Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing, Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in Lagos for further evaluation and observation. While he is reported to be in stable condition, the tragedy claimed the lives of two members of his extended boxing team — Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele was his personal trainer for many years.
Details of the Accident
The crash took place in the Makun area of Ogun State, about 30 miles from Lagos, when Joshua’s Lexus SUV was involved in a collision with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local police suggest that the vehicle was traveling at high speed and lost control during an overtaking maneuver, causing it to crash with the truck. Eyewitnesses said a tire may have burst at high speed, contributing to the loss of control just moments before the impact.
Social media footage shared online showed Joshua being assisted out of the wreckage, visibly shaken and wincing in pain, but conscious and responsive as he was placed into an emergency vehicle. Two other passengers in the SUV survived with injuries, while Ghami and Ayodele were unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.
Immediate Reaction and Condolences
The news sparked immediate reactions from around the world. Fellow boxers, rivals, and fans took to social media to express shock and sympathy. Former heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, among others, paid tribute to the lives lost and offered support to Joshua and his family. Even Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated just days earlier in a much-watched Miami bout, shared his condolences, emphasizing that “life is much more important than boxing.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua and his family, offering heartfelt condolences and assuring that the boxer was receiving the best available care. The Governor of Ogun State also visited Joshua in the hospital, underlining the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the incident and the support being extended to those affected.
Impact on Joshua and His Career
At 36 years old, Joshua is one of the most recognizable figures in modern boxing. A two-time former unified world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, he had just returned to the ring after a 15-month layoff, culminating in a knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. The win had set the stage for a possible high-profile bout against rival Tyson Fury in 2026.
While Joshua’s injuries are said to be minor, the emotional impact of losing two close friends and long-time trainers cannot be understated. Ghami and Ayodele were integral parts of Joshua’s training camp for more than a decade, instrumental in preparing him for some of the biggest fights of his career. Their loss has been described by many in the boxing community as a profound personal and professional blow.
Road Safety Concerns in Nigeria
Beyond the personal tragedy for Joshua and his team, the crash has reignited concerns about road safety across Nigeria. Traffic accidents remain a significant public safety issue in the country, with thousands of fatalities reported each year. Experts point to a combination of factors — including dilapidated road infrastructure, lax enforcement of traffic laws, and risky driving practices — as contributing to the high number of serious and fatal collisions on Nigerian highways.
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures, better road maintenance, and stricter regulation of heavy traffic corridors that connect major cities like Lagos and Ibadan. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation, but many residents and safety advocates argue that long-term, systemic reforms are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The tragic crash near Lagos that injured Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele is a sobering reminder of both the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As Joshua continues to recover in hospital, the boxing world and fans worldwide remain united in support, mourning the loss of two beloved figures whose contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
