Anthony Joshua escaped with minor bruises after a crash on the Lagos‑Ibadan expressway that killed two of his close associates, strength coach Sina Ghami and trainer Kevin Latif Ayodele. Authorities say the Lexus SUV lost control while overtaking and hit a parked truck; preliminary findings point to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking. Joshua was treated in hospital and discharged to recuperate at home, and officials confirmed the two fatalities.
Anthony Joshua Injured in Lagos‑Ibadan Crash That Killed Two Close Team Members
People gather at the scene of the accident involving British boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday. - Federal Road Safety Corps/AP
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained minor bruises after a car crash on the Lagos‑Ibadan expressway that killed two of his close friends and team members, Nigerian authorities and his promoter confirmed.
The collision occurred at about 11 a.m. local time on a busy stretch of the expressway linking Ogun State to Lagos, police in Ogun State said. Joshua, who has family roots in Ogun, was traveling in a Lexus SUV that collided with a parked truck while attempting to overtake.
"Anthony Joshua is well and responding to treatment," Ogun State Police spokesperson Babaseyi Boluwatife told CNN.
Matchroom Boxing and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu identified the deceased as strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin Latif Ayodele. Eddie Hearn of Matchroom described both men as "close friends and team members" of Joshua and confirmed Joshua was taken to hospital for checks and treatment.
According to a preliminary statement from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus was suspected of traveling above the posted speed limit and lost control while overtaking, striking a stationary truck at the roadside. The FRSC cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as primary causes—behaviors the agency says are among the leading contributors to fatal highway crashes in Nigeria.
Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout during at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on December 19. - Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Local media and safety officials have recently flagged the Lagos‑Ibadan expressway as one of the country’s most dangerous roads, reporting more than 600 fatalities over a 27‑month period.
Ghami had worked with Joshua for around ten years as his full‑time sports and exercise rehabilitation coach and had also worked with other high‑profile athletes. Ayodele had been Joshua’s personal trainer and appeared in social media footage with him shortly before the crash. Social clips circulating online show rescuers pulling Joshua from the wreckage.
The crash came a little more than a week after Joshua scored a knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. Paul, reacting on X, said: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident."
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, has maintained close ties to Nigeria—his family is prominent in Sagamu, Ogun State, and he often honors his heritage publicly. Lagos State information commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said Joshua was discharged from hospital late Wednesday to recuperate at home, though he remains heavy‑hearted over the loss of his colleagues.
CNN reporters Larry Madowo and Jonny Hallam contributed to this report.
