Former World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua has publicly shared his grief and gratitude following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
An Emotional Tribute to Fallen Friends
In a heartfelt message posted on his X account on Thursday, 8 January 2026, the British-Nigerian boxing superstar expressed deep thanks to his family and friends for their support after the deaths of AbdulLateef Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua confessed that he never fully grasped the caliber of the men beside him until they were gone.
"Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers," Joshua wrote. "I didn't even realise how special they are. I'll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men."
The 36-year-old acknowledged his own pain while recognizing the greater loss for the families. "100% it's tough for me, but I know it's even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers," he added.
Details of the Fatal Sagamu Accident
The tragedy occurred on a major road near Lagos, in the Makun area of Sagamu, Ogun State. The Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua, Sina Ghami, AbdulLateef Ayodele, and another passenger collided with a stationary truck. Joshua, who was seated in the rear, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized in Lagos before returning to the UK.
His promoters, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed the devastating news, describing Ayodele and Ghami as "integral" members of Joshua's team. Joshua flew back to London Stansted Airport via private jet on Friday night and is continuing his recuperation at his mansion.
The Vital Roles of the Lost Team Members
The loss is profoundly felt in Joshua's camp, as both men played crucial roles in his career. Sina Ghami served as Joshua's full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade. He was instrumental in preparing Joshua for historic fights, including the 2017 title win against Wladimir Klitschko and the recent victory over Jake Paul.
Beyond boxing, Ghami's expertise was sought by other elite athletes like former NFL star Le'Veon Bell and NBA champion Draymond Green. AbdulLateef Ayodele, known affectionately as Latif, was a personal trainer and longtime friend. In a cruel twist of fate, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram just hours before the crash, playing table tennis with Ayodele.
The accident has cast a shadow over Joshua's future plans. He was in Nigeria to celebrate the New Year with family before the planned sequence of fights, including a bout in Saudi Arabia in February and the highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in 2026. For now, these sporting plans are secondary as the boxer and his community mourn. Joshua is expected to attend the Janaza Prayer Service alongside his mother and other family members to pay final respects.
