Two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has released a deeply emotional statement, mourning the tragic loss of his two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, near Lagos, claimed the lives of Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
A Tragic Accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Highway
The fatal crash happened on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State. According to reports, a black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his friends collided with a stationary truck. Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized, but his childhood friend, personal trainer Latif Ayodele, and long-time team member, sports rehabilitator Sina Ghami, did not survive the impact.
Joshua had been holidaying in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. In a moving tribute shared on his Instagram, the boxer reflected on their bond, writing, "I'll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men." He acknowledged the profound pain felt by their parents, stating, "100% it's tough for me, but I know it's even tougher for their parents."
Remembering Latz and Sina: Pillars of Fitness and Friendship
The lives of Joshua's friends were celebrated for their dedication to health and sports. Sina Ghami was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator specializing in musculoskeletal injuries, a crucial part of Joshua's training circle. Latif Ayodele, known affectionately as Latz, was a personal trainer and a childhood friend of the champion, equally committed to promoting fitness.
In a poignant twist of fate, hours before the accident, Joshua had posted a video of himself playing table tennis with Latz. Sina had also shared a picture from the road trip in Lagos. Joshua, after being discharged from the hospital, returned to England and attended the burial of both friends in London.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have moved swiftly regarding the cause of the crash. The driver of the Lexus SUV, identified as Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been formally charged. He faces four counts, including dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid national licence. Investigations by the police are still ongoing as the legal process unfolds.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the global boxing community and Nigeria, drawing condolences from figures like Jake Paul. As Joshua continues to recover physically, the emotional wound of losing his companions remains. The boxing world now joins him in remembering Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami not just as friends, but as integral figures who supported his journey both inside and outside the ring.
