Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two close friends and members of his team who died in a tragic car accident in Nigeria, marking his first public statement since the incident.
The crash occurred on Monday, December 29, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua, 36, was among the occupants of the vehicle but survived the accident with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
After receiving medical care in Nigeria, Joshua was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve and returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday. On Sunday, he broke his silence with a heartfelt message shared across his social media platforms.
The post featured a photograph of Joshua standing with the families of the deceased, symbolizing unity and support during a time of grief. Accompanying the image was a brief but poignant caption: “My Brother’s Keeper ❤️️❤️.”
Joshua also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and messages he has received since the tragedy.
The remains of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele are scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday.
According to reports, the accident happened when Joshua’s SUV collided with a stationary truck, allegedly due to brake failure. Joshua had narrowly avoided a more serious outcome after switching from the front passenger seat to the back shortly before the collision, reportedly because his size was obstructing the driver’s view.
The boxer, who had recently arrived in Nigeria for a holiday following his knockout victory over Jake Paul, sustained a leg fracture but was said to be in stable condition and did not require emergency surgery.
The incident has sparked widespread sympathy from fans and figures across the sports world, as Joshua continues to mourn the loss of two individuals described as integral parts of his personal and professional life.
