Anthony Joshua Mourns Friends Lost in Nigeria Car Crash

Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion, has publicly expressed profound grief over the sudden deaths of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Ayodele, who perished in a devastating car accident in Nigeria.

In an emotional social media post shared on Instagram late last week, Joshua described the duo as “brothers” whose lives were cut short tragically. “Rest in peace my brothers Sina Ghami and Latz Ayodele. You guys were taken too soon in a car accident in Naija. Love you always,” he wrote alongside a poignant photo, using the affectionate term “Naija” for Nigeria to underscore his personal ties to the country. The post, which garnered thousands of likes and messages of condolence within hours, highlighted Joshua’s raw vulnerability amid his high-profile career.

Details emerging from Nigerian media reports indicate the accident occurred on a highway in Ogun State, near Lagos, involving a high-speed collision late at night. Local outlets like Punch Nigeria and Vanguard confirmed the fatalities, noting that Ghami, a Dubai-based entrepreneur with Nigerian roots, and Ayodele, a prominent figure in the UK-Nigeria entertainment scene, were traveling together when their vehicle veered off the road. Eyewitness accounts cited poor weather and possible speeding as contributing factors, though police investigations are ongoing. No other casualties were reported, but the incident has reignited discussions on road safety in Nigeria, where accidents claim over 10,000 lives annually according to National Bureau of Statistics data.

ADVERTISEMENT

Joshua, who holds dual British-Nigerian citizenship and frequently honors his heritage, has long maintained strong connections to Africa. Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, he has invested in youth boxing programs back home and voiced support for Nigerian causes. Friends in his circle, including promoter Eddie Hearn, echoed the tribute, with Hearn posting: “Devastating news. Thoughts with AJ and their families.” Ghami was known for his business ventures in real estate and events, often bridging UK and Nigerian communities, while Ayodele, affectionately called Latz, managed rising music talents and collaborated with Joshua on promotional events.

The boxing world has rallied around Joshua, who faces Dillian Whyte in a high-stakes rematch later this year. This personal tragedy comes months after Joshua’s emotional reflections on mental health following his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. Fans flooded his comments with prayers, one writing: “Strength to you, King AJ. Nigeria mourns with you.”

As investigations continue, Joshua’s tribute serves as a somber reminder of life’s fragility, even for global icons. Families of the deceased have yet to issue formal statements, but tributes pour in from across the diaspora.