Preliminary findings from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) have identified a burst tyre and excessive speed as the causes of the devastating road accident involving former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. According to TRACE spokesman, Babatunde Akinbiyi, the front tyre on the passenger side of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) carrying Joshua suddenly burst. This mechanical failure led to a catastrophic loss of control.
Akinbiyi, citing the agency's initial investigation, stated unequivocally that the SUV was being driven at an excessive speed. "There was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in," he told reporters. The vehicle subsequently swerved violently before colliding with a stationary truck parked on the roadside.
Casualties and Aftermath
While the 36-year-old boxing icon survived the crash and was rushed to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where he is reported to be in stable condition, the accident claimed two lives. Joshua's close associates and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Joshua's promotional company, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed the tragic loss in a somber statement. "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away," the statement read. Matchroom chairman, Eddie Hearn, expressed his grief, calling them "two great men" and offering his deepest prayers.
National Mourning and Calls for Action
The tragedy has elicited a wave of condolences from across Nigeria's political and sporting landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described it as a "tragic loss that has cast a shadow over the season," wishing Joshua a swift recovery. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's Peter Obi, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also sent their sympathies.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan used the moment to advocate for urgent road safety reforms. She called for:
- Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
- The establishment of highway rest stations.
- The creation of a rapid-response highway emergency rescue team.
The sporting world also mourned the loss. Boxing analyst Steve Bunce noted that Sina and Latif, whom Joshua called "his boys," were integral parts of his team and dear friends. Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr. thanked God for Joshua's survival and prayed for the "two fallen soldiers."
Anthony Joshua had been in Nigeria for New Year engagements following his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami. The accident has cut short the celebrations, turning a period of joy into one of profound mourning and reflection on the state of Nigerian roads.
