Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has spoken openly about the pain and trauma he suffered after losing two close friends in a fatal road accident in Nigeria.
In an emotional video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, Joshua struggled to hold back tears as he recalled the tragic accident that happened on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The crash claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach.
Joshua was also involved in the accident but survived with minor injuries. The incident shocked fans around the world and cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful end-of-year visit to Nigeria.
According to Joshua, the journey to Nigeria began with excitement and high hopes. He said the trip was meant to be a positive one, as he and his team had many plans for the future.
“We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission,” Joshua said in the video.
He explained that the group had travelled back to Nigeria to spend time with family and reconnect with loved ones.
“We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.
The accident occurred when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team rammed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. The road has long been known for heavy traffic, poor visibility at night and frequent accidents involving trucks and other heavy vehicles.
While Joshua survived, Latif and Ghami did not. Their deaths have left a deep void in Joshua’s life, both professionally and personally.
In the emotional clip, Joshua described the two men not just as colleagues, but as family.
“They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost,” he said.
Joshua explained that his relationship with Latif and Ghami went beyond the boxing ring and the gym. They lived together and shared everyday life as a close-knit team.
“We became housemates. We were living together,” he said.
He described them as his “lieutenants” and “generals,” adding that they were also his protectors and key figures in his career.
For a professional boxer whose success depends heavily on trust and teamwork, the loss of his trainer and conditioning coach is both a personal and professional blow.
Joshua also took time to thank fans, friends and supporters from around the world who reached out to him after the accident.
“I could reach out to all of you far and wide, worldwide, who are showing so much love, care and support,” he said.
He described the experience as “tragic” and “traumatic,” noting that the messages of support helped him through a very dark moment.
The boxer, who is admired not just for his achievements in the ring but also for his calm and humble personality, said he felt comforted by the love he received.
In one of the most touching parts of the video, Joshua spoke about death and how the loss of his friends has changed his outlook on life.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all,” he said.
“It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”
Joshua said the deaths of Latif and Ghami have made him reflect deeply on life, purpose and duty.
He explained that while the pain remains, he feels a sense of responsibility to continue moving forward.
“The mission must go on,” he said. “I understand my duty.”
Joshua made a strong promise to stand by the families of his late trainer and coach.
“I’m gonna do what’s right by them. I’m gonna do what’s right by their family,” he said.
Although he did not go into details, the statement was seen by many as a pledge of long-term support and care for the families left behind.
Fans and commentators have praised Joshua for his words, describing them as a sign of loyalty and character.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most important roads, linking Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, to Ibadan and several other states.
Despite several expansion and repair projects over the years, the road remains dangerous, especially at night. Accidents involving broken-down trucks, poor lighting and speeding vehicles are common.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of stationary trucks without proper warning signs, which have caused many fatal crashes.
The accident involving Joshua and his team has once again drawn attention to the need for stronger road safety measures, better enforcement of traffic laws and improved emergency response.
Kevin Latif Ayodele was widely respected in boxing circles as a dedicated personal trainer who played a key role in Joshua’s preparation and fitness. Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, was known for his professionalism and close working relationship with the boxer.
Together, they formed part of Joshua’s trusted inner circle, supporting him through training camps, fights and recovery periods.
Their deaths have been deeply felt within the boxing community, with tributes pouring in from athletes, trainers and fans.
Anthony Joshua, 36, is one of the most successful boxers of his generation. He has won multiple world heavyweight titles and is known for his discipline and mental strength.
However, the boxer has also faced setbacks in recent years, including high-profile losses in the ring. Many fans see this latest tragedy as one of the toughest moments of his life.
Still, Joshua’s message suggests a man determined to honour his friends by continuing his journey.
“The mission must go on,” he said, repeating the phrase as a sign of resolve.
The video has since gone viral, with fans praising Joshua for his honesty and emotional openness. Many Nigerians, in particular, have expressed sympathy, noting that road accidents remain a serious problem in the country.
Others have called on authorities to improve safety on major highways to prevent similar tragedies.
As Anthony Joshua continues to heal from the loss, his words serve as a reminder of the human side of sports stars—men and women who face the same pain, loss and grief as everyone else.
For now, Joshua says his focus is clear: to honour the memory of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, and to stand by their families.
In his own words, “I’m gonna do what’s right by them.”