British boxer Anthony Joshua injured his back in a horrific road accident on Nigeria’s Lagos‑Ibadan expressway that killed two close friends and team members. Officials said the heavyweight champion was travelling with four colleagues when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck near Sagamu.
Joshua sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized in stable condition, while strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele died at the scene.
How Did The Accident Happen?
The crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Dec. 29 when Joshua was on holiday in Nigeria after defeating Jake Paul in Miami. According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the SUV “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit,” lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and slammed into a stationary Sinotruck on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway.
Five men were in the car; two died, two walked away uninjured and Joshua suffered minor injuries. Ogun State police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo later told ESPN that a burst tyre may have caused the driver to lose control, sending the Lexus into the truck.
Officers are investigating, and officials have not said who was driving. Despite differences in early accounts, both agencies agree that speeding and a loss of control contributed to the fatal accident in Ogun State.
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Who Were The Victims And What Is Joshua’s Condition?
Promoter Matchroom Boxing identified the crash victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, longtime members of Joshua’s inner circle. Punch newspaper reports that Ghami, co-founder of London’s Evolve Gym, was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator.
He had worked with NBA and NFL athletes and specialised in injury prevention. Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer, and the pair were often seen together in training camps.
Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo told Nigerian media that four people were inside the Lexus: Joshua sat behind the driver with another passenger beside him; one passenger beside the driver and the person next to Joshua died instantly. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
A joint statement by the Lagos and Ogun state governments said both surviving patients were stable and did not require emergency surgery. Joshua remained under observation but was conscious and had spoken with his family.
What Do Officials Say About The Cause And Investigation?
The crash was caused by the FRSC to be a result of excessive speed and improper overtaking; which are the two most notable causes of fatal road accidents in the Nigerian highways. The initial evidence provided by the agency was that the Lexus lost control in an overtaking procedure and crashed against the parked truck.
The car and truck were later towed to a nearby police station as authorities began inquiries. Ogun State police suggested that a burst tyre caused the vehicle to swerve into the truck.
Police said the circumstances were still being investigated and declined to identify the driver. Investigators will examine speed, tyre failure and road conditions to determine liability.
Reactions From The Boxing World And Nigerian Officials
Matchroom Boxing said it was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths and expressed condolences to the victims’ families while asking for privacy. Promoter Eddie Hearn told reporters he was gathering information and that Joshua appeared “OK” from images but would not speculate on his recovery.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Joshua in hospital, phoned his mother and assured them he would receive the best medical care. Tinubu described the incident as a “tragic accident” and said prayers were with the bereaved families.
Ogun governor Dapo Abiodun also visited the hospital and said a full medical team would continue to monitor Joshua. Fellow boxers and celebrities sent messages of support. Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated on Dec. 19, wrote that “Life is much more important than boxing” and prayed for the victims. British middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. thanked God that Joshua survived and urged fans to pray for the fallen trainers.
The online boxing community flooded social media with tributes to Ghami and Ayodele.
Background: Joshua’s Visit To Nigeria And Future Fights
Joshua had gone on vacation to Nigeria to see family ties in Sagamu after knocking out social-media personality Jake Paul in an exhibition funded by Netflix in Miami on Dec. 19. He is born in Britain of Nigerian parents and goes to boarding school in neighbouring Ikenne and frequently comes home on holidays.
The boxing schedule of Joshua has been questioned by the accident. He was due to come back to the ring in early 2026 and had negotiations with a mega-fight with Tyson Fury in the same year.
The Matchroom has not indicated any alterations claiming that the recovery of Joshua and investigation is a priority. By Dec. 30, police reported that he was in a stable condition and investigations were ongoing.
FAQs
1. Who were the team members killed in Anthony Joshua’s car crash?
Matchroom Boxing named the victims of the case as Sina Ghami, the long time strength and conditioning coach of Joshua, and Latif Ayodele Latz, his personal trainer.
2. Where did Anthony Joshua’s accident happen?
The crash occurred around 11 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2025, on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway near Makun in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria.
3. What caused the crash?
The Federal Road Safety Corps said the Lexus SUV was speeding and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before hitting a stationary truck. Ogun State police later told ESPN that the vehicle suffered a burst tyre that caused the driver to swerve. Investigations are ongoing.
4. How badly was Anthony Joshua injured?
Joshua sustained minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital in Lagos for checks and remained under observation; officials said he was stable and did not require emergency intervention.
5. Did anyone else survive the accident?
Of the five occupants, two passengers (Ghami and Ayodele) died. Joshua and one other passenger were hospitalized with minor injuries, while two people walked away unhurt.
