Anthony Joshua Injured, Two Friends Die in Nigeria Car Crash

Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured and two of his close friends died in a Monday car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria, when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck. The Federal Road Safety Corps reported that the vehicle was suspected of speeding during an attempted overtake.

The tragic accident occurred on Monday on a route frequently described as Nigeria’s deadliest road. The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria (FRSC) stated in its preliminary findings that the vehicle involved was a black Lexus Jeep carrying five adult males, including the 36-year-old two-time heavyweight boxing champion Joshua, who was riding as a passenger. According to the FRSC, the jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit, collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck parked by the side of the road after losing control while attempting an overtake.

The crash claimed the lives of two men identified as Sina Ghami and Kevin “Lateef” Ayodele, who was also known as Latz. A statement from an official spokesperson for Anthony Joshua said: It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele. Both men were close friends and integral members of the boxer’s team, with the official statement adding that Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, while two other men in the car survived the crash without harm. During subsequent legal proceedings, a court heard testimony regarding the driver’s maneuvers and the ongoing police investigation into the crash.

Court Proceedings and Ongoing Police Investigation

As the legal inquiry moves forward, a court session examined the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the driver’s actions prior to impact. The court heard police had yet to take a statement from Joshua following the crash. During cross-examination, Kayode’s lawyer questioned Ajayi over the lack of statement, to which he replied that efforts are ongoing and that he had not contacted Joshua because he didn't have his number. The trial was adjourned until 10 September.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, maintains close personal ties to the region, holding family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site. While police continue to gather evidence and interview involved parties, authorities have not yet taken a formal statement from the heavyweight champion.

Tributes from the Boxing Community

In the wake of the tragedy, figures from across the international boxing community shared tributes on social media for Ghami and Ayodele.

“Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both…they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
Chris Eubank Jr

Joshua’s most recent opponent, Jake Paul, also shared his condolences online, writing that Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident before later adding RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Latif / Latz' Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ. Tam Khan wrote on X: Prayers with both their families during this devastating time, while sharing photos of both men. Badou Jack also took to Instagram to write: Still in shock! Inna lillahi wa inna lilayhi rajioon. May Allah forgive you for your shortcomings and grant you the highest level of paradise @healthy_mindset.

Joshua’s Personal Reflection on His Late Team Members

Following the collision, Joshua posted a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on social media reflecting on the character of his departed friends and the profound difficulty of the loss.

Anthony Joshua Injured, Two Friends Die in Nigeria Car Crash

“I didn’t even realise how special they are,” he wrote.
“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.
100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
Anthony Joshua

Representatives for Joshua issued a formal statement on behalf of the boxer’s team, confirming the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele and requesting privacy for their grieving families. With the legal proceedings adjourned until 10 September, investigators are expected to continue examining the factors contributing to the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.