Anthony Joshua stable after Nigeria car crash that killed two members of his team

Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was spending time in the country following his return to the ring against Youtuber Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. 

The 36-year-old, who was returning to the ring after a 15-month absence, secured a sixth-round knockout against Paul.

Joshua suffered minor injuries when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck, the Ogun State Police Command said.

Medical staff carried out "several clinical assessments" on Joshua and confirmed that he did not require any emergency treatment, according to a joint statement from the governments of Ogun and Lagos.

The statement said: "Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, was involved in a road traffic accident earlier today along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

"The vehicle conveying the team of four, ran into a stationery truck resulting in two fatalities.

"We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time.

"Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.

"Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time.

"A comprehensive medical team has since been convened and will continue to monitor them closely.

"Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family."

A spokesperson for Anthony Joshua confirmed that two members of the fighter's training team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were killed in the accident.

"It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Latif' Ayodele.

"Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony's team.

"We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news."

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the Lexus was suspected to have been travelling above the speed limit and lost control while overtaking.

The crash occurred at around 11am in Makun, roughly 30 miles from Lagos.

Video circulating on social media shows Joshua appearing dazed and in pain as he is helped from the badly damaged vehicle.

Police confirmed that Joshua was taken to hospital and said an investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.

"Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident today - Monday December 29, 2025, at about 11am, in Makun, Ogun State.

"The incident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.

"The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.

"Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.

"The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.

"Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses."

Joshua's recent opponent Jake Paul expressed his condolences in a social media post, writing: "Life is much more important than boxing.

"I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident."

Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed he had personally spoken to Joshua and his mother.

"I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident," he said.

"I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention."

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua recovers from slow start to knock out Jake Paul in Miami