The Nigerian homecoming of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was shattered by tragedy on Monday. A devastating road accident on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway claimed the lives of two men who were central pillars of his inner circle, turning a personal visit into a scene of profound loss.
A Fatal Collision on a Major Highway
The incident occurred around midday local time near the Sagamu area. According to preliminary reports from Nigerian road safety officials, the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was travelling on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when it collided with a stationary truck. Initial findings suggest the vehicle may have been speeding while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre before the driver lost control.
Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the SUV, survived the impact. He was seen looking dazed in video footage from the scene as rescuers helped him from the wreckage. The boxer was promptly taken to a hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition while receiving treatment for his injuries.
Remembering the Pillars of Joshua's Team
The crash had a far more devastating outcome for two other occupants. Latif "Latz" Ayodele and Sina Ghami, long-time friends and trusted members of Joshua's team, were killed in the collision. The sporting world has been united in grief, with tributes pouring in for the duo who played indispensable roles in the champion's life and career.
Latif Ayodele was much more than a personal trainer to Anthony Joshua. A former footballer turned fitness expert, Ayodele was a close companion whose relationship with Joshua stretched back to the early days of the boxer's rise to fame. He was known for his deep faith, having once written that finding Islam in 2012 was his "biggest blessing." His passing leaves a void not just in Joshua's training regimen, but in his personal life.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, a critical figure behind the scenes during title victories and career comebacks. A co-founder of London's Evolve Gym and a certified sports rehabilitator, Ghami specialised in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise. His expertise, honed from working with elite athletes from the NFL and NBA, was focused on athlete longevity and recovery, making him an integral part of Joshua's sustained success at the highest level.
Investigation and Aftermath
Nigerian authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal crash. The news was confirmed in a sombre statement from Matchroom Boxing, which expressed "profound sadness" at the loss of the two close friends and team members.
For Anthony Joshua, the physical injuries from the crash are compounded by an immense personal tragedy. The loss of Ayodele and Ghami represents the tearing away of a crucial support system built on years of trust and shared journey. As the boxing community mourns, the focus remains on Joshua's recovery and the memories of the two men who stood firmly by his side.
