British-Nigerian Boxer, Anthony Joshua has broken his silence following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two key members of his training team, sending shockwaves through the global boxing community.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion addressed the incident indirectly on Sunday via Instagram, sharing a solemn post that showed him standing with his mother and three other women. One of the women held a photograph of Sina Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, who was among those killed in the crash. Joshua accompanied the images with a brief but weighty caption: “My Brother’s Keeper.” The post marked his first public acknowledgment since the accident and was widely interpreted as a tribute to the men he lost.
The fatal collision occurred last Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria, one of the country’s busiest and most dangerous road routes. Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle struck a stationary lorry. Ghami and Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, died at the scene. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, where he received treatment before being discharged on Wednesday.
Following his release from medical care, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist returned to the United Kingdom in time to attend the funerals of both men. The loss has been described by those close to Joshua as deeply devastating, with Ghami and Ayodele playing central roles in his training, preparation, and daily life as a professional athlete.
Nigerian authorities have since charged the vehicle’s driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death. According to police, the case is scheduled to be heard in court on 20 January. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing, as officials examine factors including road conditions, visibility, and vehicle speed at the time of the incident.
Joshua had been in Nigeria on a private visit following his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. The trip was intended as a holiday and a chance to reconnect with family, as the British-Nigerian boxer maintains strong personal ties to the country. Members of his training team accompanied him during the visit, which ended in tragedy.
News of the accident has reverberated across the boxing world, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fighters, trainers, promoters, and fans. Ghami was widely respected for his work behind the scenes, credited with helping Joshua maintain peak physical condition through multiple title reigns and comebacks. Ayodele, meanwhile, was regarded as a trusted figure within Joshua’s inner circle, known for his discipline and dedication to the fighter’s preparation.
The incident has also reignited conversations around road safety in Nigeria, particularly on major highways such as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which has a long history of serious accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and improved infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies.
For Joshua, the loss marks a sobering chapter in an otherwise resurgent phase of his career. After recent time away from the ring and a high-profile victory in December, the former champion now faces a period of mourning and reflection. While his social media post was brief, its tone underscored the depth of the personal loss behind the headlines.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings move forward, tributes to Ghami and Ayodele continue to pour in, highlighting the often-unseen roles played by trainers and support staff in elite sport. For Anthony Joshua, their absence leaves a void that extends far beyond the ring.