Nigerian-British boxer and former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to Britain to attend the funeral of two close associates who were killed in a road accident in Nigeria earlier this week, according to British media reports.
Joshua, 36, was travelling with members of his team when their vehicle was involved in a collision on Monday on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s main transport arteries. Two members of his entourage strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele died at the scene, Nigerian authorities said.
The boxer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital in Lagos before being discharged on New Year’s Eve. He has since flown back to the United Kingdom ahead of funeral prayers scheduled to take place at a mosque in London on Sunday, Sky Sports reported.
Nigerian police said the crash occurred when a Lexus sports utility vehicle carrying Joshua and his team struck a stationary truck on the highway. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but police have charged the driver of the vehicle, identified as 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death. He is expected to appear in court on January 20.
Authorities confirmed that while Joshua and the driver survived with relatively minor injuries, Ghami and Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene. Both men were described by those close to the boxer as integral members of his support team, having worked with him for several years during the latter stages of his career.
The deaths have cast a pall over what had been a celebratory period for Joshua, who had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday following his high-profile victory over American influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. The bout, which drew global attention, marked another comeback moment for the British fighter as he continues to rebuild after previous title losses.
Neither Joshua nor his representatives have issued a detailed public statement since the crash, though messages of condolence have poured in from fellow athletes, fans and figures across the boxing world. Prominent trainers and former champions took to social media to express sympathy and praise the contributions of Ghami and Ayodele, noting their behind-the-scenes role in Joshua’s training regime.
Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight world champion, is one of Britain’s most recognisable sports figures. Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, he has often spoken of his close ties to Nigeria and regularly visits the country. His trip over the Christmas and New Year period was understood to be private and not linked to any professional commitments.
Road accidents are a major public safety issue in Nigeria, where poor road conditions, heavy traffic and lax enforcement of safety regulations contribute to thousands of deaths each year, according to official statistics. The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a vital link between the commercial hub of Lagos and the rest of the country, is notorious for congestion and serious crashes despite ongoing rehabilitation works.
Analysts say the incident has renewed attention on road safety in Africa’s most populous nation, particularly during holiday periods when traffic volumes surge. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly pledged to improve enforcement and infrastructure, though progress has been uneven.
For Joshua, the loss is a deeply personal one. Ghami and Ayodele were widely regarded as trusted confidants within his inner circle, accompanying him to training camps and fights around the world. Friends of the boxer said their deaths had come as a profound shock.
As preparations continue for the funeral in London, questions remain over Joshua’s immediate professional future, though those close to him say his focus is firmly on mourning his friends rather than boxing plans.
Police in Nigeria said investigations into the crash are continuing.
