Anthony Joshua pays tribute to his 'special' friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele who died in car crash he was involved in Nigeria
Published 08/01/2026 at 16:53 GMT
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Anthony Joshua is back in the UK following a car crash in Nigeria, which killed two of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. The former world heavyweight champion sustained injuries when a vehicle he was in collided with a stationary truck. Joshua had been on holiday in Nigeria following his bout against Jake Paul in Miami, and has paid tribute to his "special" friends.
Anthony Joshua
Image credit: AFP
Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his "special" friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria last month.
Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in with Joshua hit a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos. The British boxer has since returned to the UK to recover from the minor injuries he sustained in the accident.
Taking to social media to honour his friends, Joshua said: "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are.Â
"I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.Â
"100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.
"I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers."
It is the second time Joshua has posted since the accident after previously sharing a photograph of himself alongside family members, holding a portrait of Ghami.
Ghami had been a part of Joshua’s team for more than a decade and was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator.
Ayodele - who was a personal trainer - was an old friend of Joshua.
The heavyweight boxer had been in Nigeria to enjoy a holiday following his victory over YouTuber Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Following the crash, Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) said the early investigations showed the vehicle carrying Joshua and his team had been travelling along the highway from Lagos to Sagamu when it "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed" and "lost control".
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on social media platform X that he had been in contact with Joshua to offer his condolences over the passing of "his two close associates".
"I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him," he said.Â
"AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.
"I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention."
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged on four counts.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, January 20.
Joshua has received numerous messages of love and support from the boxing community since the incident, with many people wanting to pay their respects to those who lost their lives.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute online to Ghami and Ayodele.
He wrote: "Rest in peace Latz and Sina.
"Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."
Joshua’s rival Tyson Fury wrote: "This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven."
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk said: "This is an unbelievable loss.
"[Sina and Latz] were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ's team, but also friends!"
"Anthony Joshua - wishing you a speedy recovery.
"Stay strong, champion."
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