Anthony Joshua was discharged from a Lagos hospital on Dec. 31 after a Dec. 29 car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway that killed his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami. Lagos information commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said Joshua was "clinically fit" to recover at home and was "heavy-hearted" over the loss. Investigators say a burst tire, excessive speed and dangerous overtaking may have contributed, and the driver is expected to face reckless-driving charges as inquiries continue.
Anthony Joshua Released From Hospital After Deadly Nigeria Crash That Killed Two Close Friends
Carmen Mandato/GettyAnthony Joshua
Boxer Anthony Joshua was discharged from a Lagos hospital on Dec. 31 after a car crash on Dec. 29 in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, officials confirmed. Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso said Joshua was "clinically fit to recuperate from home" but was "heavy-hearted and full of emotions" over the loss.
Victims, Funeral Arrangements and Repatriation
Omotoso confirmed the two men who died were Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach. Following his discharge, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home to pay their respects; officials said the two men were being prepared for repatriation to the U.K.
Federal Road Safety Corps via APIn this photo provided by the Federal Road Safety Corps, people gather at the accident scene of British boxer Anthony Joshua in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
What Happened
The collision occurred at about 11 a.m. local time on Monday, Dec. 29, on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in the Makun area. Local reports indicate Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that struck a stationary truck while traveling as part of a two-vehicle convoy.
"It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed," witness Adeniyi Orojo told The Punch.
Investigation And Possible Charges
Nigerian investigators from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have suggested the vehicle may have been traveling at excessive speed when a tire burst, and that dangerous overtaking might have been a factor. British and local outlets have reported that the driver — identified in some reports as Kayode Adeniyi, a longtime member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team — is expected to face reckless-driving charges.
Temiloluwa Johnson/GettyShattered glasses is seen at the accident site on December 29, 2025 in Sagamu, Nigeria.
Context And Reaction
Per reporting in The Guardian and Joshua’s promoter, the boxer sustained only minor injuries and had been under observation in hospital. Social media footage circulated showing Joshua with Ayodele hours before the crash, including clips of the pair playing table tennis. The tragedy has renewed discussion about road safety in Nigeria: the FRSC reported 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and pursue any legal action related to the crash. Family, friends and colleagues have expressed condolences as arrangements proceed for repatriation and further inquiries.
