British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time about the emotional toll of a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates, describing the loss as one of the hardest moments of his life.
In an emotional social media video, the former world heavyweight champion thanked fans around the world for their support while reflecting on grief, resilience, and the deep personal bond he shared with the two men who died in the crash.
Crash That Shocked Boxing and Fitness Community
The accident reportedly occurred on December 29 along a major Lagos road when the vehicle Joshua was travelling in collided with a stationary truck. While the boxer sustained only minor injuries, two people travelling with him were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as:
Sina Ghami — Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach
Latif “Latz” Ayodele — Joshua’s personal trainer
According to reports, the trio shared a close relationship that extended beyond work, living together and collaborating across business and fitness projects.
Joshua Opens Up on Grief and Loss
In the six-minute video message, Joshua spoke candidly about coming to terms with the tragedy.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing I got two brothers on the other side,” he said.
He described the depth of their relationship, noting they evolved from colleagues into trusted partners in multiple aspects of life.
“We became business partners. We became hustlers. We became lieutenants. We became generals. We became everything,” he said.
Joshua also acknowledged the wider emotional impact of the loss, highlighting the pain experienced by families and loved ones.
“Not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends, and I lose two great men, we lost people who were central to our lives,” he added.
Legal Case Already Underway
Authorities have reportedly charged the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash, identified as Adeniyi Kayode, with multiple offences including causing death by dangerous driving. Legal proceedings are expected to determine responsibility and accountability for the accident.
Gradual Return to Training
Despite the emotional trauma, Joshua has begun easing back into training. He recently shared a short workout clip showing him hitting pads, captioning it “mental strength therapy,” suggesting fitness is helping him cope with grief.
Support From Nigerian Leaders and Business Figures
Joshua also publicly thanked individuals and institutions that supported him after the crash, including:
Medical staff at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Business leaders Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote
Senator Daisy Danjuma
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun
Governors of Lagos and Ogun States
Background: Joshua’s Connection to Nigeria
Although born and raised in the United Kingdom, Joshua maintains strong ties to Nigeria and frequently visits the country. His presence in Nigeria during the festive period had drawn attention from fans and sports followers.
Why This Matters in Nigerian and Global Sports
The tragedy highlights the intense personal networks behind elite athletes — from trainers to conditioning experts — who play critical roles in performance and career success.
It also underscores broader road safety concerns in Nigeria, where traffic accidents remain a major public safety issue.
For fans, Joshua’s openness about grief and mental health is being seen as a powerful message about vulnerability and emotional resilience among elite athletes.
What Happens Next
Joshua is expected to gradually resume full training while continuing to support the families of the deceased, according to close associates. Meanwhile, the legal process related to the crash is expected to continue in Nigerian courts.
For now, the boxer’s message has resonated widely: even champions face moments of profound personal loss — and resilience often begins with honesty.
