Anthony Joshua, the British former heavyweight champion, was injured in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, which tragically killed two members of his team.

The incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck. Two close friends and team members, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, died at the scene. Joshua and the driver were rescued and taken to a hospital in Sagamu, where he remains in stable condition under observation.

Crash Details

According to Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), the SUV suffered a tyre burst due to excessive speed, causing the driver to lose control. Joshua and the driver were extracted from the wreckage by his security team.

Officials described Joshua as stable and conscious, and the Ogun and Lagos state governments confirmed he had been in contact with family following the accident. A comprehensive investigation into the crash is underway.

Tributes and Reactions

Promoter Matchroom Boxing and chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the deceased, calling them “two great men” and integral parts of Joshua’s team. Boxing analyst Steve Bunce noted that Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer while Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach, both of whom had worked with him for over a decade.

The two men played pivotal roles in Joshua’s recent victory over Jake Paul on 19 December 2025. Paul himself expressed condolences on social media, emphasizing the importance of life over boxing.

Local and Family Response

Joshua’s family, who have deep roots in Sagamu, described the news as a shock and offered prayers for the victims. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also spoke to Joshua personally, sending condolences and wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Road Safety Context

The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is notorious as one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads, particularly during the festive season when traffic is heavy. Authorities urged caution and highlighted the dangers of speeding and vehicle maintenance issues.