Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua survived a horrific car crash in Nigeria with only minor injuries, a tragedy that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and long-time team members. The incident occurred on Monday, 29th December 2025, near Sagamu.
The Fateful Decision That Changed Everything
In a twist of fate that likely saved his life, Joshua swapped seats with friend Latif Ayodele just moments before the collision. The 36-year-old boxer, who stands at 6ft 6in, had initially taken the front passenger seat in the black Lexus SUV. However, the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, asked him to move to the rear because his large frame was obstructing the wing mirror.
This simple request proved to be life-altering. Joshua moved to sit directly behind the driver, while Ayodele took the front seat. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle struck a stationary truck. Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami were tragically killed in the impact. Joshua was discharged from hospital on New Year's Eve, deemed clinically fit but "heavy hearted and full of emotions" according to an official statement.
Legal Proceedings and Driver's Defence
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, appeared at Sagamu High Court where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Police brought four serious charges against him:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care
- Driving without a valid driver's licence
His lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, revealed to the Daily Mail that Kayode claims the vehicle's brakes failed, causing the accident. "My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident," Abiodun stated, adding that he hadn't yet had a full chance to speak with Kayode but understood he was asserting the brakes were not working.
Remembering the Victims: Joshua's Inner Circle
The two men who lost their lives were integral members of Anthony Joshua's tight-knit team and considered his good friends.
Latif 'Latz' Ayodele was Joshua's personal trainer and a long-time friend, having been part of the AJ team since Joshua's first world title victory over Charles Martin in 2016. A dedicated Muslim who converted in 2012, Ayodele's Instagram was filled with moments alongside Joshua, both in the gym and relaxing. Just hours before the crash, he posted a video of them laughing together while playing table tennis.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach for over a decade and was the co-founder of London's Evolve Gym. A qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator, Ghami was at Joshua's side for career-defining moments, including the iconic victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in 2017. His final Instagram story appeared to show Joshua's motorcade travelling through Lagos.
Aftermath and Final Respects
Following the crash, Joshua's mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to her son's bedside in Nigeria. On Wednesday afternoon, 31st December, the pair visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to Ghami and Ayodele before their bodies were repatriated to the UK.
A joint statement from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun confirmed: "Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home." The statement added that Joshua and his mother had paid their respects as the preparations for repatriation were made.
The boxing world and wider sporting community have been left mourning the loss of two respected figures, while questions remain about the circumstances of the crash as the legal case against the driver continues.
