Tragic Tragedy: Anthony Joshua Had a Serious Traffic Accident in Nigeria – Two Team Members Died, Boxer Hospitalized in Stable Condition

In an incident that shocked the boxing world, **Anthony Joshua** – the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion – had a serious traffic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan highway in Nigeria on the morning of December 29, 2025. The incident left **two close members of his team dead**, while Joshua only suffered minor injuries and is being monitored at the hospital.

Joshua’s mother, **Yeta Odusanya**, confirmed the information to his family and the media, expressing her deep sadness at the loss of her son’s two close friends. “This is the most difficult time for our family. Anthony is stable, but we are praying for the souls of those who have passed away,” Ms. Yeta shared through her representative.

Details of the Accident: Terrifying Collision on the “Road of Death”

The accident occurred around **11 a.m. local time** on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads with hundreds of deaths each year due to high speed, reckless overtaking and poor maintenance.

Joshua was sitting in the back seat of a luxury Lexus SUV with four other people when the car crashed into a truck parked on the side of the road near Makun area, Ogun state. The initial cause was believed to be **reckless overtaking combined with high speed**, leading to loss of control and a head-on collision.

The scene was devastated: The front of the Lexus was completely deformed, broken glass was scattered, and truck debris was scattered. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) rescue team arrived within minutes, saving Joshua and two others from the vehicle.

The two deceased victims were identified as **Sina Ghami** (Joshua’s strength and recovery coach for more than 10 years) and **Kevin “Latif” Ayodele** (long-time personal trainer, close friend of AJ). Both are indispensable members of the team, often accompanying Joshua on trips to Nigeria.

Videos and photos from the scene spread quickly on social networks: Joshua was helped out of the car, shirtless, face painful but alert, with minor injuries and broken glass around him. He was put into a police car for immediate transfer to the hospital.

Vacation Journey Turns into Tragedy

Joshua is enjoying a short vacation in his ancestral homeland after his impressive knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami – a match that brought in tens of millions of dollars and sparked hopes of a super match with Tyson Fury in 2026.

With Nigerian roots (his parents emigrated to England), Joshua often visits his family in Sagamu, Ogun state – just a few dozen kilometers from the scene. Just a few hours before the accident, he posted an Instagram story happily playing table tennis with Latif Ayodele, no one expected that to be his last moment.

Promoter **Eddie Hearn** (Matchroom Boxing) was on a family holiday when he received the news and hurriedly contacted: “We are trying to contact AJ. Luckily, he seems fine from the pictures I see. But the loss of two close friends… is indescribable.”

Nigerian President **Bola Ahmed Tinubu** called Joshua directly at the hospital, sending his condolences and wishing him good health.

#### Reaction From The Boxing Village And The World

The news spread quickly, shocking the sports community.

Tyson Fury: “A true warrior and gentleman. Praying for AJ and the victim’s family.”

Oleksandr Usyk: “Rest in peace, brothers.”

Chris Eubank Jr: “Thank God AJ survived. Pray for Latz and Sina – truly good people.”

On social networks, #PrayForAJ trended globally, with millions of condolences and prayers.

Ogun police are investigating in depth, focusing on the speed and condition of the vehicle. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is notoriously dangerous, with more than 600 deaths in the last 27 months.

#### AJ’s Immortal Legacy and the Future of Boxing

Although the accident left a big psychological scar – seeing his best friend pass away – Joshua is expected to recover quickly physically. Big fights in 2026 (possibly Fury) are still in the plans, but the priority now is health and funerals for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Joshua – from Watford street boy to heavyweight icon with 24 professional victories, 2012 Olympic gold medal – always inspires determination. This incident reminds us that life is fragile, even for “invincible people” like him.

The family requests respect for privacy. Funerals for the two victims are expected to be private, with Joshua expected to attend upon his release from hospital.

The boxing world temporarily stopped breathing, praying that AJ would overcome this pain like he had overcome every defeat in the ring.

Praying for Anthony Joshua and the families of the victims.