Ryain
A moment of mourning replaces celebration as tragedy strikes close to home.
British boxing star Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and left the former heavyweight champion injured. The incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a personal visit to reconnect with family during the New Year period, turning it instead into a moment of deep mourning and reflection.
Joshua, 36, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV traveling along a major expressway near Lagos when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. Two members of his inner circle, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed in the crash. Both men were not only close friends but also part of Joshua’s trusted team, making the loss particularly personal for the boxer. Their funerals were held on Sunday at a mosque in London, attended by family members and loved ones.
After being taken to hospital following the crash, Joshua was discharged on Wednesday and returned to the United Kingdom over the weekend. On Sunday morning, he shared two images on Instagram, marking his first public communication since the tragedy. One photograph shows Joshua seated beside his mother, surrounded by family members of the victims, including the mothers of Ghami and Ayodele, with one holding a framed photograph of Ghami. The post carried a brief but powerful caption: “My Brother’s Keeper.”
The legal process surrounding the incident is ongoing. The driver of the SUV, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was charged in connection with the crash. According to police sources, the charges include causing death by dangerous driving. Kayode was granted bail set at 5 million naira (approximately £2,578) and remanded pending the fulfillment of bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.
Joshua’s presence in Nigeria was tied closely to his personal history. Born in Watford, the former two-time heavyweight champion has deep family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State located near the crash site. A family member told the BBC that Joshua was traveling to Sagamu to visit relatives and celebrate the New Year when the collision occurred, highlighting how the journey was rooted in family and tradition rather than professional obligations.
The boxer had been spending extended time in Nigeria following his recent high-profile victory over Jake Paul on 19 December, a bout that drew global attention and added another chapter to Joshua’s already storied career. The tragic events that followed have shifted focus away from boxing and toward themes of loss, grief, and solidarity, with Joshua’s understated social media post resonating deeply with fans around the world.
In grief, Joshua stands not as a champion, but as family.