British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a devastating car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 29, 2025, leaving him with minor injuries while two of his closest friends and team members were killed in the collision that has shaken the boxing world and his global fanbase.
The 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion was travelling with members of his personal team when the black Lexus SUV they were in lost control and collided with a stationary truck on a major Nigerian highway, according to officials. Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, was extracted from the wreckage and taken to a hospital for treatment and evaluation. Authorities say he sustained only minor injuries and is in stable condition as medical teams continue to monitor him.
Details of the Crash and Immediate Response
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major transport artery connecting Nigeria’s largest urban centre with Ogun state and beyond. According to a joint police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) statement, the Lexus SUV was traveling at high speed and lost control while overtaking, causing the driver to veer off the road and strike a stationary truck parked at the roadside.
Police confirmed that five adult men were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Two passengers died immediately at the scene, and two others escaped without injury. Joshua and another male occupant were injured and transported to a Lagos hospital where they are receiving care.
Victims Identified: Close Friends and Team Members
Officials and Joshua’s camp later identified the two men who lost their lives as Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, both integral members of the boxer’s training team and close personal friends. Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as a trainer and longtime confidant of Joshua — roles that have made their deaths especially tragic for the fighter and his inner circle.
In an official statement, Joshua’s representatives expressed their deep sorrow and asked for privacy as the families of those lost begin to process the profound shock of the accident. Promoter Eddie Hearn also issued condolences, describing the deceased as “two great men” whose contributions and friendship were central to Joshua’s career and personal life.
Joshua’s Background and Recent Boxing Activity
Anthony Joshua is one of the most recognizable figures in modern boxing, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion who held the WBA, IBF and WBO belts. After a 15-month layoff, he returned to the ring on December 19, 2025, with a high-profile sixth-round knockout win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a fight watched by millions worldwide.
The victory over Paul was intended to build momentum toward a potential 2026 bout with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, a matchup fans have long awaited. But the joy of that win was quickly overshadowed by the tragic road collision in Nigeria.
National and International Reactions
The crisis prompted an outpouring of sympathy and concern across sports communities and social media. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his condolences to Joshua and the families of Ghami and Ayodele, sharing that he had spoken personally with the boxer and his mother to offer prayers and support.
Even rivals and past opponents have expressed their hope for Joshua’s recovery. Former opponent Jake Paul posted on social media, emphasizing that “life is much more important than boxing” and offering prayers for all affected by the collision.
Fans and commentators around the world have also weighed in, sharing shock at the severity of the crash and relief that Joshua survived. Footage circulating online shows the boxer being helped out of the damaged SUV, appearing conscious and responsive despite the harrowing scene — images that underscored both the crash’s intensity and the fighter’s resilience.
Investigation and Road Safety Concerns
Local police and the FRSC have launched an investigation into the precise causes of the accident. Preliminary findings highlighted excessive speed and a dangerous overtaking maneuver by the vehicle as likely contributors. Nigerian road safety officials have long warned that traffic violations, including speeding and unsafe overtaking, are leading causes of fatal accidents on many highways, particularly during peak travel periods like the holiday season.
An eyewitness at the scene described how emergency responders and bystanders rushed to assist after the collision, noting the severity of the damage to the SUV and the difficulty in extricating passengers. These accounts have drawn renewed attention to highway safety issues in the region, a topic that often gains urgency following tragedies of this nature.
Impact on Joshua’s Future Plans and Career
At this stage, Joshua’s minor physical injuries appear not to threaten his boxing career, but the emotional impact of losing two close friends and collaborators could have lasting effects. His promoter has stated that Joshua will remain under observation in Nigeria for the immediate future, with more detailed updates on his health expected in the coming days.
Sports analysts have speculated about how this incident might affect Joshua’s training and his anticipated return to competitive boxing. Given the mental and emotional strain of such a traumatic event — especially one that claimed people he worked with closely — many believe that any potential fight plans may need to be reassessed, at least temporarily.
Global Outpouring of Support
Support for Joshua has not been limited to the boxing world. Social media conversations reflect a mix of heartbreak, sympathy and admiration for his survival. Fans have shared messages of solidarity not just for Joshua, but for the families of Ghami and Ayodele, remembering them as part of the extended boxing family.
Beyond the world of sports, the story has drawn attention to the human cost behind headlines — the fragility of life and the unexpected ways in which tragedy can strike, even in moments that follow professional triumphs. Many commentators have pointed out that the ordeal highlights the importance of safety on the nation’s highways, especially during periods of increased travel.
What’s Next
As Anthony Joshua continues to recover and reflect on the tragic loss of his friends, boxing officials, fans and observers around the world are awaiting updates on his condition and future career plans. Whether he chooses to return to the ring or take time away from competition, the support from the global community remains strong.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability — even for those at the pinnacle of athletic achievement — and underscores the deep connections that form between athletes and the teams that support them both professionally and personally.
