Men who died in car crash that left Anthony Joshua injured confirmed as 'close friends' of boxer

The identities of the men who died in the car crash which left Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria today (29 December) have been confirmed in a statement from Matchroom Boxing.

The former heavyweight boxing champion was left injured after a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, one of the busiest motorways in Nigeria.

It was confirmed that two foreign nationals had died in the crash, and they have now been named as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Both of the men were 'close friends and team members' of Joshua's.

Ayodele was thought to be his personal trainer, while Ghami was believed to be his sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, according to the Telegraph.

The boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV which was said to have collided with a stationary truck, with dramatic footage shared on social media showing pedestrians helping him out of the wreck.

Local authorities told the BBC that he was taken to hospital for treatment, but is 'fine'.

The full statement reads: "Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.

"With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.

"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation."

"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.

"No further comment will be made at this time."

Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) provided an update earlier today, confirming that the car was driving 'beyond the legally prescribed speed limit' and lost control during 'an overtaking manoeuvre'.

"The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to confirm a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today Monday, 29 December 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck," the official statement read.

It went on, detailing that the crash happened at about midday local time (11am GMT), with FRSC operative arriving on the scene within three minutes, with five adult males involved in the crash.

They confirmed that two men died at the scene and that the boxer only sustained minor injuries, while two men escaped unhurt.

It went on: "Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road."

The FRSC said that further investigation would be required before wishing the Olympic gold medallist 'a speedy recovery'.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, said in a statement to the Daily Mail: "I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident.

"We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don't want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images.

"We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course."