British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital after being involved in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two senior members of his team.
The crash happened on Monday morning along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, who was on holiday in Nigeria following his recent boxing victory, was travelling in a Lexus vehicle when it was involved in the collision. Footage circulating online, which has not been independently verified, shows the boxer sitting dazed inside the damaged car, surrounded by shattered glass.
A spokesperson confirmed that Joshua, 36, sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. He is said to be in a stable condition and remains under observation.
The accident resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both long-time friends and key figures in Joshua’s professional team. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as a trainer. Just hours before the crash, the pair had shared videos on social media showing them playing table tennis together.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we confirm the passing of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele following a road traffic accident in Lagos earlier today,” Joshua’s spokesperson said. “They were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask for privacy for their families during this devastating time.”
The driver of the vehicle, who also survived the crash, was locally hired and is not believed to have been a friend or family member.
Authorities in Ogun and Lagos States confirmed that Joshua and another passenger were taken to a specialised medical facility in Lagos. Officials said Joshua was conscious, communicating with his family, and did not require emergency intervention after medical assessments.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps released preliminary findings indicating that the vehicle was suspected to have been travelling above the legal speed limit. Investigators believe the car lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before colliding with a stationary truck on the roadside. A full investigation is now under way.
The incident comes just weeks after Joshua returned to the ring following a 15-month absence, securing a high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami in a bout broadcast globally.
