A fatal car accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Monday, December 29th, claimed the lives of Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a long-time trainer, and Sina Ghami, a strength and conditioning coach, both close associates of British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua. Joshua himself, who was in Nigeria for the Yuletide holidays, was also in the vehicle and sustained minor injuries in the tragic incident.

According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the black Range Rover SUV carrying Joshua and his friends veered off the road and collided with a stationary truck near Ogere, Ogun State. Emergency responders confirmed that both Ayodele and Ghami, who were part of Joshua’s inner training circle, died at the scene. The former unified world champion was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to a private hospital in Lekki, Lagos, where he was treated for bruises and mild shock. He was discharged two days later, with a spokesperson confirming his stable condition despite mobile phone footage showing him in pain after the crash.

Following his discharge, Joshua, accompanied by his mother and representatives from the British High Commission, visited a funeral home in Lagos to oversee the repatriation process for his deceased friends. The bodies of Ayodele and Ghami were airlifted out of Nigeria for burial in the United Kingdom on Thursday, January 1st.

In a deeply emotional note shared through his team, Anthony Joshua described the tragedy as “a heartbreak beyond words,” expressing that Ayodele and Ghami were “brothers who gave everything to the sport and to me personally.” This profound loss has prompted an outpouring of tributes and support from across the boxing world and beyond.

Promoter Eddie Hearn called the loss “devastating for the entire Matchroom and AJ family,” while former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis urged prayers for Joshua’s recovery. Additionally, Joshua’s former ring rival, Oleksandr Usyk, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, “This is an unbelievable loss. [Sina and Latz] were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. Anthony Joshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”

The Nigerian Super Eagles football team also expressed their sorrow and support following their 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Uganda. Birmingham City’s Bright Osayi-Samuel told ESPN, “It wasn’t great, especially as it happened back home as well. Thankfully he was ok. It’s tragic to hear that two of his friends died. We just hope he gets better.” Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi added, “Man, it was a difficult one. When we heard he lost his family, it was really sad. I hope he can recover from that. I wish him strength, and to his family and the families of the guys who died as well. It was a difficult one.”