TLDR
- Anthony Joshua’s friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died in a car crash near Lagos on December 29
- Joshua was traveling in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries before being discharged from hospital
- The boxer called them ‘great men’ in an emotional social media tribute after returning to the UK
- Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and other offenses
- Police say a burst tire caused the vehicle to swerve into a stationary truck on the road
Sources: The Independent | Sports recap via UK press aggregation | Boxing news digest (UK)
Boxing champion Anthony Joshua has shared an emotional tribute to two close friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria that also injured the heavyweight fighter.
Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele were killed when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck near Lagos on December 29. Joshua was traveling in the back seat of the SUV at the time of the accident.
In a statement posted to social media, Joshua wrote: “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. 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,” he continued. “100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
The 36-year-old boxer has returned to the UK after attending funeral services for both men. He suffered minor injuries in the crash and received hospital treatment before being discharged on New Year’s Eve.
Anthony Joshua writes a touching message honoring his late friends 🙏#anthonyjoshua #anthonyjoshuaaccident #boxing pic.twitter.com/IiHb929G08
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) January 8, 2026
Who Were the Victims
Ghami had been part of Joshua’s team for more than 10 years. He was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialized in treating muscle and joint injuries.
Ayodele, known as “Latz” to friends, was a personal trainer and longtime friend of Joshua. Both men were considered close members of the boxer’s inner circle.
Joshua was born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents. He had been visiting Nigeria on holiday following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Investigation and Legal Action
The driver of the Lexus SUV, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with four counts including dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid license. He appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court in Ogun State.
Kayode was granted bail set at 5,000,000 Naira, which equals about £2,578. He remains in custody until his bail conditions are met.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps initially suggested that speeding and an attempted overtake caused the crash. However, Ogun State’s police commissioner later told ESPN that a burst tire on Joshua’s vehicle caused the driver to lose control.
The police report states the vehicle “swerved into the stationary truck parked along the road” after the tire blew out.
Joshua’s tribute post on Instagram included a black and white image showing Ghami and Ayodele in the sky surrounded by doves. The post has received widespread support from the boxing community.
Fellow boxers Richard Riakporhe, Abdullah Mason, Dalton Smith, and Adam Azim were among those who shared their condolences. Many fans have also sent messages of support to Joshua and the families of the deceased.
Joshua had been scheduled to fight again in February, possibly in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Season boss Turki Alalshikh has also proposed a potential 2026 fight between Joshua and British rival Tyson Fury.
The case against the driver has been adjourned until January 20 for trial. Ogun State Police Command continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
