Witnesses recall Nigeria plane crash that killed Anthony Joshua’s close friend: Latest

Joshua’s personal trainer Latif “Lazi” Ayodele and strength coach Sina Gami were both killed in a car crash in Nigeria, leaving “AJ” with minor injuries.

Joshua’s promotional company, Matchroom, and his agency, 258 MGT, confirmed the injuries on Monday night:

The boxing world is in shock after two members of Anthony Joshua’s team were killed in a car crash in Nigeria and the British boxer was also injured.

The victims were later identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who were described as “close friends” and key figures in Joshua’s inner circle.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded to the news on

“I wish him a speedy and full recovery and am praying with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best care possible.”

Anthony Joshua was left in shock and unable to speak after a car crash in Nigeria killed two of his close friends, witnesses said.

A witness said he heard a loud “boom” and initially thought a truck tire had blown out, before realizing a car had driven under a truck parked on the highway.

Speaking to Sky News, Ajala Yusuf Oluwasei said Anthony Joshua was clearly shaken by what he described as “this fatal incident”, adding: “He was in shock and couldn’t speak.”

Joshua suffered minor injuries and is in stable condition, but police said the Lexus he was riding in likely lost control while overtaking and hit a parked truck.

As the investigation continues, condolences have poured in from friends, the boxing community and Nigeria’s president.

Former British world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday.

Joshua, the son of Anglo-Nigerian parents, was born in England and attended a boarding school in Ikenne, Nigeria, returning to the UK at the age of 12.

The incident occurred just over a week after he knocked out American social media star Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami.

Paul expressed his condolences in an X post on Monday, saying he was “praying for the life lost, AJ and anyone affected by today’s tragic accident.”

Joshua returns to action after a 15-month layoff. He is expected to fight long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026.

An eyewitness to the crash told Nigerian media outlet Vanguard that “the loud noise caused by the impact shocked everyone.”

“At first, we thought it was another bomb blast,” they said.

“When we realized it was an accident, people rushed down. Some started filming the scene and others opened the doors to see if they could save anyone.”

A spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary investigations revealed the vehicle “exceeded the legal speed limit” and “lost control while overtaking” before crashing into a stationary truck on the side of the road.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo said ESPN The cause of the accident was a “tire burst” on the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve toward a parked truck on the side of the road.

Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Alexander Usyk paid tribute to the victims of a fatal car crash on Monday.

“This is an incredible loss,” he wrote in an Instagram Story post.

“[Sina and Latz] They are two incredible people who are not only part of the AJ team, but friends! “

He added: “My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones and everyone who knew them. Anthony Joshua – I wish you a speedy recovery.”

“Stay strong, champ.”

Anthony Joshua is being treated at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, with his mother at his bedside.

Local authorities said Joshua did not require emergency medical intervention at the scene of the accident.

Officials said he was in “stable condition” and was “receiving appropriate medical care.”

Joshua was on holiday when the accident occurred.