British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has personally assured Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he is receiving 'the best possible care' following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
A Tragic Accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The collision occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the town of Makun in southwestern Nigeria. Joshua, 36, was a passenger in the back of a Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary truck. The boxer was seen being helped from the mangled vehicle, visibly in discomfort.
Tragically, the accident proved fatal for two members of Joshua's inner circle: Sina Ghami, his long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer known affectionately as 'Latz'. The trio had been enjoying a break together just nine days after Joshua's victorious Miami showdown with Jake Paul.
President Tinubu's Personal Call and Joshua's Condition
In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, President Tinubu revealed he had spoken directly with Joshua to offer his condolences. 'I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him,' the President stated. Tinubu also spoke with Joshua's mother, Yeta Odusanya, who had rushed to her son's bedside at Lagos' Duchess International Hospital.
While initial reports and a statement from promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua was in a 'stable condition' with minor injuries, subsequent concerns have been raised. Sources close to the boxer's camp have suggested he may have sustained rib and knee injuries, leading to fears his condition could be more serious than first thought.
Tributes Pour In for Lost Friends
The boxing world and beyond has been united in grief for the two men who lost their lives. Ayodele, a converted Muslim, had been part of 'AJ's' team since his first world title win in 2016. Ghami, co-founder of Evolve Gym in London, had worked with the Olympian for over a decade. In a cruel twist, Ayodele had shared a joyful video of himself and Joshua playing table tennis just hours before the fatal crash.
Jake Paul, Joshua's recent opponent, was among those paying tribute, writing: 'Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.' The focus now remains on Joshua's recovery and supporting the families of the deceased, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
