By Amofokhai Williams
Former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital after sustaining minor injuries in a fatal road accident on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash claimed the lives of two of his longtime friends and team members, Lateef Ayodele (also known as Kevin “Latz” Ayodele) and Sina Ghami (also referred to as Cina Gami).
In a joint statement released by the governments of Lagos and Ogun States on December 31, officials confirmed Joshua’s discharge from Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi late that afternoon.
Doctors deemed him clinically fit to recuperate at home, though he was described as “heavy hearted and full of emotions” over the profound loss.
Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos on the day of his discharge to pay final respects to Ayodele and Ghami as their bodies were prepared for repatriation later that evening.
The statement extended renewed condolences to the families of the deceased: “We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss.”
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public support, as well as “fatherly” assistance from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout the ordeal.
They also praised the medical team at Lagoon Hospital for their “commendable” professionalism and care.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on December 29 when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, Ayodele (his personal trainer), Ghami (his strength and conditioning coach), and others reportedly lost control—possibly due to excessive speed, a burst tire, or wrongful overtaking—and collided with a stationary truck near Makun in Ogun State.
Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Ogun State Police highlighted speeding as a contributing factor. Joshua, seated in the rear, escaped with minor bruises, while another passenger (the driver) also survived and has since been discharged.
Ayodele and Ghami, both integral to Joshua’s training regime and described as “close friends,” were pronounced dead at the scene. Tributes from the boxing world, including promoter Eddie Hearn and opponent Jake Paul, underscored their importance to Joshua’s career and personal life.
Joshua, 36, of British-Nigerian heritage with family roots in Ogun State, was visiting Nigeria following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025.
The incident has cast a shadow over the festive period, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety on Nigeria’s busy highways.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, with no further updates on potential charges.
