KEY POINTS
- Anthony Joshua paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele after a fatal road accident in Nigeria.
- The boxer survived the crash with a leg fracture and was discharged from hospital before returning to the UK.
- The accident occurred on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway and was linked to reported brake failure.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two close friends and team members who died in a road accident in Nigeria, marking his first public message since the tragedy.
The crash happened on Monday, December 29, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, popularly known as Latz. Joshua was travelling in the same vehicle and survived with injuries.
First Message Since the Tragedy
Joshua, 36, broke his silence on Sunday with a short but deeply personal post shared across his social media platforms. The message featured a photograph of the boxer standing with members of the bereaved families, a moment that reflected shared grief and quiet support.
The caption was brief but powerful. Joshua wrote, “My Brother’s Keeper,” accompanied by heart emojis. Many fans and fellow athletes responded with messages of condolence and solidarity.
The accident involved Joshua’s sports utility vehicle, which was carrying him and three others. Reports indicate the vehicle collided with a stationary truck after suffering a brake failure.
Joshua narrowly avoided a worse outcome after switching from the front passenger seat to the back seat shortly before the crash. The move was made because his size was affecting the driver’s view of the road.
He sustained a fracture to his leg and was taken to hospital, where he received treatment and was later discharged on New Year’s Eve. Medical sources said his condition was stable and did not require emergency surgery.
After his discharge, Joshua returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday. His post came just days after he reunited with the families of the deceased, both in private and during prayer gatherings.
The remains of Ghami and Ayodele were scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday, with family members, friends and members of the boxing community in attendance.
