Key Points

• Anthony Joshua lost two close friends in a Lagos Ibadan Expressway crash

• Trainer Sina Ghami and coach Latif Ayodele died at the scene

• Road safety officials blamed speed and dangerous overtaking

Two close friends and long time team members of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have been identified as the victims of a fatal road crash along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died in the accident, which occurred on Monday morning.

The company said Joshua sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed he was in stable condition and under observation.

The BBC also confirmed that the two men were part of Joshua’s inner circle and had worked with him for several years.

Moments Before the Accident

Hours before the crash, Joshua shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, popularly known as Latz. The post later drew emotional reactions from fans after news of the accident broke.

Joshua has not spoken publicly since the incident, but messages of support and condolence have continued to pour in from across the sports world.

Who Was Sina Ghami

Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade. He also co founded Evolve Gym in London and worked as a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator.

He specialised in musculoskeletal injuries, corrective exercise and sports rehabilitation. Over the years, he worked with athletes from several sports, including American football and basketball.

Ghami had shared posts from Lagos shortly before the crash and often appeared alongside Joshua in training photos.

Who Was Latif Ayodele

Ayodele worked as Joshua’s personal trainer and fitness coach. His social media presence reflected a strong commitment to fitness and his Islamic faith.

He frequently shared photos with Joshua and was seen with the boxer shortly before the accident.

How the Crash Happened

The crash occurred around 11 a.m. at Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange inward Ibadan. Eyewitnesses said the convoy included a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV.

Joshua sat behind the driver in the Lexus. Two passengers died at the scene, while Joshua and another occupant sustained injuries. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived shortly after and began rescue operations.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations had begun. The Federal Road Safety Corps linked the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, stating that the Lexus lost control and hit a stationary truck.

Tributes continue to flood social media as fans remember Ghami and Ayodele.