Anthony Joshua Stable Following Tragic Car Accident in Nigeria: Two
Team Members Killed
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The boxing world was shaken on
Monday, December 29, 2025, following reports that two-time former world
heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a high-speed car accident
on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. While the British-Nigerian boxing icon is
currently in stable condition, the incident has taken a somber turn with the
confirmed deaths of two close associates and integral members of his training
camp.
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| Anthony Joshua Stable Following Tragic Car Accident in Nigeria: Two Team Members Killed |
Anthony Joshua Stable Following Tragic Car Accident in Nigeria: Two Team Members Killed
The Incident: High-Speed Collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m.
local time on one of Nigeria’s
busiest thoroughfares. According to official reports from the Federal Road
Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ogun State Police Command, Joshua was traveling in a
Lexus SUV heading toward Lagos.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the
vehicle suffered a sudden tire burst while traveling at a high rate of speed.
This mechanical failure, combined with an attempted overtaking maneuver, led
the driver to lose control of the SUV. The vehicle subsequently veered off its
path and collided violently with a stationary truck parked along the shoulder
of the road.
Photos circulating on social media in the
immediate aftermath showed a harrowing scene. Emergency responders were seen
working to extricate Joshua from the mangled wreckage of the Lexus. Witnesses
reported seeing the champion wincing in visible pain as he was moved to a
waiting ambulance sent by the Lagos
State government.
Honoring the Fallen: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
While the news of Joshua’s survival brought a
sense of relief to his global fanbase, the tragedy claimed the lives of two men
described as "brothers" to the champion. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom
Boxing officially identified the deceased as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Ghami and Ayodele were not just employees; they
were vital pillars of "Team AJ." Ghami served as a strength and
conditioning expert, while Ayodele was a long-time personal trainer and
confidant. Their loss is expected to have a profound emotional impact on Joshua
as he begins his physical recovery.
Medical Update: Anthony Joshua’s Current Condition
Following the crash, Joshua was rushed to a
specialist hospital where he underwent a battery of clinical evaluations. A
joint statement released by the Lagos and Ogun State
governments provided a much-needed update on his status:
"Following thorough clinical evaluations,
medical professionals have confirmed that both patients [hospitalized after the
accident] are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at
this time."
Despite being in stable condition, Joshua remains
under 24-hour observation. Doctors are monitoring him for internal injuries and
the psychological trauma often associated with high-impact collisions and the
sudden loss of close companions.
Reactions from the Boxing World and Political
Leaders
The news sparked an immediate wave of support from
across the globe. Nigeria’s
President, Bola Tinubu, personally reached out to the
champion to offer his condolences and support.
"I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally
convey my condolences over the death of his two associates," President
Tinubu stated. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with
him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care."
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was on a family holiday when
the news broke, expressed his shock and sadness. While relieved that Joshua
appeared to be "OK" based on initial images, he emphasized that the
focus remains on the families of those who lost their lives.
Even Joshua’s most recent opponent, Jake Paul,
put aside sporting rivalries to post a tribute on X: "Life is much more
important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted
by today's unfortunate accident."
A Bitter Ending to a Triumphant Year
The accident comes just ten days after Anthony
Joshua reminded the world of his lethal precision in the ring. On December 19,
in Miami,
Joshua secured a dominant sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul. The bout
was intended to be a "sharpness test" for Joshua as he aimed to climb
back to the top of the heavyweight rankings following his 2021 loss to
Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua had traveled to Nigeria—the homeland of his
parents—to celebrate the holidays and reconnect with his roots. Having briefly
attended boarding school in Nigeria
as a child, the country has always held a special place in his heart, making
this tragedy particularly poignant.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery and 2026
Before this incident, rumors were swirling
regarding a massive domestic showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in 2026. While fans were eagerly
anticipating a "Battle of Britain," all professional discussions have
now been put on hold.
The path forward for Anthony Joshua will be
twofold: physical rehabilitation and emotional healing. The boxing community
knows Joshua for his resilience and "stay hungry" mentality, but
recovering from the loss of his team members will likely be his toughest fight
yet.
As investigations into the
"circumstances" of the crash continue, the focus of the sports world
remains firmly on the recovery of a champion and the memory of the two lives
lost on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
