By Chima Phillips-
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following the deadly crash that killed two of his friends. He is remaining in Nigeria as he recovers from injuries sustained in a car crash that killed two of his closest associates, officials and his promoter said.
His longtime strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed at the scene, Nigerian police said.
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Joshua, 36, was traveling on Monday along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle carrying him and two members of his team slammed into a stationary truck in Ogun state, southwest Nigeria.
Joshua had a miraculous escape, suffering minor injuries and was treated at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos before being discharged late Wednesday. Lagos state commissioner for information Gbenga Omotoso said the boxer was deemed “clinically fit to recuperate at home,” though he remains deeply shaken by the loss.
“Anthony was released from hospital last night and will remain in Nigeria over the coming days,” his promoter, Matchroom Boxing, told The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday.
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After leaving the hospital, Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited the morgue to pay his respects as preparations were made to repatriate the bodies of Ghami and Ayodele, according to a joint statement from Lagos and Ogun state governments, which have overseen his treatment since the crash.
Preliminary findings by the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency in Ogun state indicated the SUV was traveling at excessive speed and suffered a tyre burst before colliding with the truck.
The tragedy struck just hours after Joshua and Ayodele shared lighthearted moments on social media, posting clips of themselves playing table tennis.
British born Joshua is a son to Nigerian parents, and has dual nationality. He visits Nigeria every year, and had only been in the country six hours when disaster struck. The driver is said to have been speeding beyond the legal driving limit, and was himself hospitalised . He has also been discharged from hospital. A senior police officer told the Nigerian media the driver is being questioned and may face reckless driving charges.
Police released images showing the mangled remains of the black SUV involved in the crash.The two-time heavyweight world champion had most recently fought in December, knocking out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami.
Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist, has since been linked with a potential blockbuster clash against fellow former world champion Tyson Fury.
His previous bout before the Paul fight ended in a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The governments of Lagos and Ogun states once again, commiserate with the families of the two young men Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the 29th Dec 2025 . 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 .
A statement from the Secretary to the Ogun State governor:
‘Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home .
Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two deported friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening .
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.
They also appreciate Mr President. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for all fatherly support he gave through out the process .
We also want to appreciate the team of Doctors and medical personnel tag the Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi that attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries . The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable’.
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