Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom after a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Joshua sustained minor injuries in the accident but has been discharged from hospital and is recuperating at home.

Details of the Fatal Crash

The crash occurred on Monday on a busy highway connecting Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria. Joshua was traveling with his friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele when their vehicle, a Lexus SUV, collided with a stationary truck.

• Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, was killed in the accident.
• Latif Ayodele, a trainer and long-time associate, also died.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele shared clips on social media playing table tennis, highlighting the tragic and sudden nature of the incident.

Joshua Sustains Minor Injuries

The two-time Olympic and world heavyweight boxing champion sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. He was discharged on Wednesday after being deemed clinically fit to return home. British media reported that Joshua flew back to the UK on Saturday, before the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele.

Legal Action and Investigation

Nigerian police have charged the driver of the Lexus, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with “dangerous driving causing death”. Kayode is scheduled to appear in court on January 20. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, leading to the fatal crash.

Joshua’s Connection to Nigeria

Anthony Joshua, who has family roots in Nigeria, was on holiday in the country following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. The boxer has previously expressed his pride in his Nigerian heritage, making the tragedy particularly poignant for him and his family.

Tributes and Reactions

Fans, fellow athletes, and colleagues have expressed condolences on social media. Joshua’s team and family are mourning the loss of Ghami and Ayodele while supporting the two-time champion as he recovers physically and emotionally.

The crash serves as a stark reminder of road safety issues in Nigeria, particularly on heavily trafficked highways connecting major cities such as Lagos and Ibadan.