Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident in Ogun State, Nigeria on 29 December 2025, leaving two of his close associates dead and him recovering in hospital.
The incident occurred on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway near Makun, shortly after 11 a.m. local time, when the SUV carrying Joshua and four others lost control while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with a stationary truck on the roadside. Local authorities have confirmed the collision and the details of the crash following official investigations.
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Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
According to statements from the Ogun State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was suspected to be travelling at excessive speed and lost control as it attempted to overtake other traffic. The SUV struck a stationary truck, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and the tragic deaths of two of the passengers.
Emergency responders from the FRSC and state agencies were dispatched to the scene. Videos circulating on social media showed Joshua being extricated from the wreckage, wincing in pain, and assisted by bystanders before being taken into medical care.
Casualties and Victims
Two of the occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both described by Joshua’s promoter and team representatives as close friends and members of his training circle.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional company, issued a statement confirming the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele and expressing deep sorrow for the loss of two individuals who were an important part of the boxer’s life and professional support team.
Joshua’s Condition
Anthony Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the SUV at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for medical checks and observation. Officials from the Ogun State government confirmed that he was in a stable condition and did not require emergency surgical intervention. He is being monitored by medical professionals and remains under observation to ensure his continued recovery.
Two other passengers in the vehicle escaped injury or sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation beyond checks at the facility.
Official and Public Reaction
Following the crash, messages of sympathy and support were shared by public figures, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who called Joshua to express condolences and wish him a full recovery. President Tinubu also extended sympathy to the families of the deceased.
Members of the global boxing community, including fellow fighters and commentators, offered tributes and messages of support to Joshua and to the memory of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Social media responses reflected widespread sorrow at the tragic loss and relief at Joshua’s survival.
Context of the Visit
Anthony Joshua was in Nigeria following a recent professional fight in Miami on 19 December 2025, where he secured a high‑profile victory. The visit to Nigeria was reported to include time spent with close friends and associates in the region. The crash occurred less than two weeks after that bout.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement and road safety authorities have confirmed that a full investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Preliminary findings from the Federal Road Safety Corps highlight speeding and an unsafe overtaking manoeuvre as likely contributing factors, but the investigation continues.
No official statement has identified who was driving the SUV at the time of the crash, and authorities have not released further technical details regarding vehicle mechanics or road conditions beyond initial assessments.
Safety and Road Conditions
The Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest transport corridors linking Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and economic hub, with inland regions. Road traffic collisions have been a persistent concern in Nigeria due to high volumes of traffic and variable compliance with speed and safety regulations.
This high‑profile accident has drawn renewed public attention to road safety issues on major Nigerian highways and sparked discussion about enforcement of traffic rules and the risks associated with overtaking at high speed on busy routes.
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Author’s Note
The events of 29 December 2025 involving Anthony Joshua in a fatal road crash in Ogun State, Nigeria are presented here based solely on confirmed reporting from leading news organisations and official statements from Nigerian authorities. The article focuses on verified facts of the crash, the identities of the deceased, and Joshua’s condition following the accident.
The human cost of this tragedy, the loss of two close associates and friends, is at the heart of this account. While Joshua’s survival and recovery are sources of relief, the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele are deeply sorrowful and have been met with widespread sympathy and reflection from the sporting world and the wider public.
This account honours the known facts and reflects the most accurate picture available at the time of writing, providing readers with a clear understanding of what happened and the impact of the event without speculation.
References
- AP News, Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is stable after car crash in Nigeria
- Reuters, Anthony Joshua hurt in fatal car crash in Nigeria
- Sky News, Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria that has left two people dead
