Ziggy Ojiegbe

Former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and longtime associates.

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The accident occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and members of his team collided with a stationary truck. Joshua survived the crash and was treated for minor injuries before being discharged on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. He is now recovering at home, according to Sky News.

The victims were identified as personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and sports rehabilitation coach Sina Ghami, both aged 36. They died at the scene after sustaining catastrophic injuries.

Preliminary findings by Nigerian authorities indicate that a tyre burst played a central role in the accident. Babatunde Akinbiyi, commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), said the vehicle lost control after suffering a front passenger-side tyre blowout, which police believe may have been linked to excessive speed during an overtaking manoeuvre.

Lanre Ogunlowo, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, confirmed that Joshua’s injuries did not require surgery.

The Lexus was reportedly travelling in a convoy with a second SUV carrying Joshua’s security detail when it struck the rear of a truck parked close to the inside lane of the three-lane carriageway. The speed limit on that stretch of road is 50mph. Locals describe the route as one of Nigeria’s deadliest highways.

Photos and videos from the scene showed extensive damage to the right side of the Lexus, where Ayodele and Ghami were seated. Joshua and the driver survived after sitting on the left side of the vehicle.

The hired driver of the Lexus was also hospitalised and later discharged. Media reports indicate that he may face questioning as investigations continue. Separately, authorities are searching for the driver of the stationary truck, who allegedly fled the scene following the crash.

Joshua was in Nigeria on holiday and travelling to visit family. The British-born boxer has strong ties to Ogun State, where his family originates, and attended boarding school in the region before returning to the UK at age 12.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke by phone with Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya, to offer condolences. In a statement, the president described the loss as tragic and prayed for the families of the deceased.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance, noting that three British nationals were involved in the incident.

Tributes poured in from across the boxing world. Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and Chris Eubank Jr were among those who paid tribute to Ayodele and Ghami, describing them as respected professionals and good men.

The crash has renewed attention on road safety in Nigeria. Federal Road Safety Corps data show that at least 1,593 people died in road accidents nationwide in the first quarter of 2025, with speeding identified as the leading cause. The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway alone has recorded hundreds of fatalities in recent years despite being one of the country’s best-maintained roads.

Joshua had recently earned a reported £70 million following his victory over YouTuber Jake Paul and was expected to pursue a high-profile bout against Tyson Fury later this year. While his physical injuries are said to be minor, the psychological impact of the tragedy has cast uncertainty over his boxing future.

For now, the focus remains on recovery, mourning, and an ongoing investigation into one of the most devastating incidents of Joshua’s career outside the ring.