In an update published by The Associated Press, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has flown back to Britain after surviving a fatal car accident near Lagos that claimed the lives of two of his close associates. The crash, which occurred earlier this week when their vehicle struck a stationary truck, resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s strength coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Joshua, who holds dual British and Nigerian nationality, was in Nigeria for a private visit and briefly attended a boarding school there as a youth. While the boxer sustained only minor injuries and was cleared by medical professionals on Wednesday, the psychological toll of the loss has resonated deeply within the global sporting community.
Reports from Global News and theScore confirmed the champion’s departure to prepare for the funerals of his friends. Global News shared footage of the star being ‘led away from a car following the fatal accident,’ while theScore noted that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, ‘was charged on Friday with dangerous and reckless driving.’
Echotitbits take: This tragedy highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety on major Nigerian expressways, even for high-profile convoys. While Joshua’s physical recovery is confirmed, the loss of his core training staff could significantly impact his upcoming fight schedule and mental preparation. Watch for a potential hiatus from the ring as he mourns this deeply personal loss.
Source: skysports – https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13489932/anthony-joshua-returns-to-uk-after-car-crash-in-nigeria-that-killed-two-of-his-close-friends January 3, 2026
Photo Credit: skysports
