British former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been discharged from hospital following a tragic car accident on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members. The 36-year-old boxer was cleared to continue his recovery at home, according to a joint statement issued by the Lagos and Ogun state governments. Joshua was described as "heavy-hearted and full of emotions" over the profound loss of his friends.

The fatal incident occurred on Monday in the Makun area of Ogun State, around 11am along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck. While one report indicated the SUV reportedly suffered a burst tyre, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, attributed the crash to "overspeeding and wrongful overtaking." Afolabi Oyewole, the FRSC Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, explained that the driver was travelling at a very high speed before making a wrongful overtake and hitting a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road. The impact, which fortunately occurred on the right-hand side, made it impossible for all occupants to escape unhurt.

The two victims were identified as Sina Ghami and Lateef "Latz" Ayodele, both aged 36, who were integral members of Joshua’s team and his close friends. Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, while Lateef Ayodele was his personal trainer and fitness coach. Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, paid tribute to the men on Instagram, stating, "Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."

The joint statement from Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed Joshua's discharge late on Tuesday afternoon, deeming him "clinically fit to recuperate from home," despite his grief. Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos the same day to pay their respects to Sina Ghami and Lateef Ayodele, whose bodies were being prepared for repatriation later that evening.

The governments of Lagos and Ogun states expressed their deep commiseration with the families of the deceased, praying for the repose of their souls and fortitude for their loved ones. Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos also extended their gratitude to members of the public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support. Furthermore, the statement praised the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their "quality care and professionalism" in attending to Anthony and others injured in the crash.