Tragedy has struck the circle of British boxing champion Anthony Joshua, as two of his close friends and team members — personal trainer Kevin “Latif” Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami — lost their lives in a horrific car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria.

The accident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu around 11am local time on December 29. Joshua, who was a passenger in the back seat of a black Lexus SUV, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for observation, where he remains in stable condition.

Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. “The accidents occur might because of reckless driving,” an FRSC spokesperson stated, highlighting speeding and wrongful overtaking as leading causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.

Joshua had travelled to Nigeria — his parents’ homeland — with his team to celebrate the New Year after his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19. Hours before the crash, Ayodele shared a video playing table tennis with Joshua, capturing joyful moments that now add heartbreaking context.

Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, issued a 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 extended deepest condolences to the families and requested privacy.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke personally with Joshua, conveying condolences and wishing him a speedy recovery. Tributes poured in from the boxing world, including former opponent Jake Paul, who wrote: “Life is much more important than boxing. Praying for the lost lives, AJ, and everyone impacted.”

Joshua, 36, has not made a public statement yet, but sources say he is devastated by the loss of two integral members of his “machine” — men who were not just staff but genuine friends.

The crash highlights the dangers of Nigeria’s roads, with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway often cited as one of the country’s deadliest. As investigations continue, the boxing community mourns two lives cut short in senseless tragedy.