Anthony Joshua finally speaks after tragic crash that claimed two closest allies

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shared his first public message since a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and long-time team members.

In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday morning, Joshua published photos showing himself alongside his mother and grieving family members of the deceased.

One image depicts a mourner holding a framed portrait of Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach.

The boxer captioned the post simply: “My Brothers Keeper ❤️🪖❤️” – a poignant reference evoking deep brotherhood and responsibility, often drawn from biblical themes of guardianship and loyalty.

The post, which quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and messages of support, marks Joshua’s first social media activity since the accident on December 29, 2025.

Fans and fellow athletes flooded the comments with condolences, prayers, and heart emojis, reflecting widespread sympathy for the 36-year-old British-Nigerian star.

The tragedy occurred when the Lexus SUV Joshua was traveling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

Joshua, who was visiting family in Nigeria over the holidays following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized briefly before being discharged on New Year’s Eve. Authorities described him as “heavy-hearted and full of emotions” over the loss.

The two men who died were identified as Sina Ghami, a rehabilitation and strength coach who had worked with Joshua for over a decade, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele (also known as Abdul Latif or Kevin Ayodele), his personal trainer.

Both were described by those close to Joshua as more than colleagues – they were integral team members and “brothers” in the truest sense. Friends noted that Ayodele, in particular, shared a bond with Joshua akin to that of a “twin brother.”

Preliminary investigations pointed to a tire burst and possible overspeeding as factors in the crash. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and related offenses; his case was adjourned until January 20.

Joshua returned to the UK earlier this week, where funerals for Ghami and Ayodele are taking place today at the London Central Mosque.

It remains unclear if the boxer will attend publicly, amid concerns that his presence could draw unwanted attention.