Anthony Joshua Emotionally Opens Up About Tragic Loss of Close Friends in Nigeria Car Accident
British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has broken down in tears while speaking publicly for the first time about the devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his two closest friends. The tragic incident occurred near Lagos on December 29th, 2025, when the vehicle Joshua was travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a major roadway.
Miraculous Survival Amidst Tragedy
Joshua, who was a passenger in the back of a black SUV during the fateful journey, miraculously escaped with only minor injuries while his companions Latif "Latz" Ayodele and Sina Ghami tragically lost their lives. The boxing star has spent the opening weeks of 2026 mourning what he describes as an irreplaceable loss within his innermost circle.
In an emotionally charged video shared on his official YouTube channel, Joshua struggled to maintain his composure while paying tribute to the two men he considered brothers. "Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose like two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about," the visibly distressed athlete revealed.
"Major Players in All Our Lives"
The former unified world heavyweight champion emphasised the profound impact both men had on everyone around them. "[They were] major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives, it's tough, it's really tough," Joshua explained, his voice breaking with emotion as he recalled their significance.
Fighting back tears throughout the heartfelt tribute, Joshua added: "They're my brothers, they're my friends first and foremost." His raw emotional display underscores the depth of the personal tragedy that has struck the boxing community and those closest to the sporting icon.
Ongoing Mourning Process
The accident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory period for the Olympic gold medallist, who now faces the challenging process of grieving while maintaining his professional boxing career. Friends and colleagues have described Ayodele and Ghami as integral members of Joshua's support network, making their sudden loss particularly devastating for the athlete.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, even for world-renowned athletes who appear invincible in the sporting arena. Joshua's public vulnerability in discussing the accident highlights the universal nature of grief and loss, transcending fame and athletic achievement.
