What should have been a quiet homecoming to Nigeria for Anthony Joshua turned into a moment of profound loss that has shaken the boxing world and cast a long shadow over the festive season.
On Monday, 29 December 2025, the former world heavyweight champion was involved in a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Five men were in the vehicle – Joshua survived with minor injuries, and two others escaped unhurt.
However, two men who were far more than colleagues to him did not survive. Kevin “Lateef” Ayodele and Sina Ghami — both close friends and integral members of Joshua’s inner circle — lost their lives.
Ayodele was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Ghami his sport and exercise rehabilitation coach.
According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash involved a Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua and a stationary commercial truck parked by the roadside near the city of Sagamu.
Preliminary findings by the road safety agency suggest the car of the British-Nigerian boxing icon was travelling at excessive speed and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre.
Eyewitnesses spoke of a two-vehicle convoy, with Joshua’s security team following behind. The impact left the Lexus badly damaged.
Other commuters helped to pull Joshua out of the wreckage. The Nigerian Police say a full investigation was underway.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he has personally called Joshua and his mother to express his condolences, describing the crash as a “tragic accident”. Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun has also visited Joshua at the hospital.
Joshua’s connection to Nigeria runs deep. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents from Sagamu’s Royal Remo Kingdom, the 36-year-old boxer spent formative years at boarding school in Nigeria’s Ikenne town.
He frequently visits Nigeria, including a Christmas trip to Ogun State last year. Joshua was appointed Ogun State’s Sports Ambassador in 2024, and had spoken passionately about giving back to the West African country.
The accident came just days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami — a win meant to mark renewal. Jake Paul has joined others across the sporting world in offering condolences and praying for Joshua’s speedy recovery.
