Anthony Joshua heads back to UK after fatal crash

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has returned to the United Kingdom following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and key members of his team.

Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, was discharged from a Nigerian hospital on New Year’s Eve after receiving medical attention. Reports from the United Kingdom confirmed that the boxer flew back home days after the incident.

According to the BBC, Joshua left Nigeria quietly after recovering from the shock and injuries sustained in the fatal collision that occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025.

The accident claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele. The pair died at the scene when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near the Makun axis of Ogun State.

Joshua was reportedly travelling to Sagamu to spend the New Year holidays with relatives when the crash occurred, just 10 days after his high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.

Funeral arrangements for Ghami and Ayodele have since been concluded, with their Janaza prayers scheduled to take place on Sunday at the London Central Mosque, according to Sky Sports. The ceremony is expected to draw members of the boxing community, friends and family from across the world.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Friday that the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid driver’s licence. He was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million and remanded pending the fulfilment of bail conditions, while the matter was adjourned to January 20.

Kayode’s 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, has publicly defended his father, insisting that the crash was caused by brake failure and the presence of an illegally parked truck on the highway.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ifeoluwa said his father was not speeding at the time of the accident and had attempted unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle after the brakes failed.

Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, further disclosed that Joshua narrowly escaped death due to a last-minute change of seating arrangement inside the vehicle. According to him, the boxer was initially seated in front but was asked to move to the back seat to give the driver better visibility, a decision that may have saved his life.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State have expressed appreciation to Nigerians and fans worldwide for their prayers and support following the tragic incident. The governors also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his concern and support during the difficult period.

Both state governments described the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele as painful and deeply unfortunate, while offering prayers for the repose of their souls and strength for their families.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are ongoing.

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