The remains of two close associates of British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, have been flown out of Nigeria for burial in the United Kingdom following a fatal road accident in Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Ogere, when a black Range Rover SUV carrying Joshua and members of his inner training circle reportedly veered off the road and crashed into a stationary truck. Ayodele, Joshua’s long-time trainer, and Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, were confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Joshua, who was in Nigeria for the Yuletide holidays, sustained minor injuries in the accident. He was rescued from the vehicle and taken to a private hospital in Lekki, Lagos, where he was treated for bruises and mild shock. The former unified world heavyweight champion was discharged two days later.
Following his discharge, the 34-year-old boxer, accompanied by his mother and officials from the British High Commission, visited a funeral home in Lagos to make arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased. The bos of Ayodele and Ghami were airlifted to the United Kingdom on Thursday, January 1.
In an emotional message released through his team, Joshua described the loss as “a heartbreak beyond words,” calling both men brothers who gave everything to the sport and to his career.
Tributes have continued to pour in from the global boxing community. Promoter Ed Hearn described the deaths as devastating to the Matchroom and Joshua family, while former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis urged prayers and support for the boxer during the difficult period.
I wonder if there was foul play involved in the crash. Soing doesnt add up. What do you all think?
Do you think more could have been done to prevent this tragic accident? Safety measures must be a priority.
Do you think the repatriation process was handled properly? I feel like there are so many unanswered questions surrounding this tragic incident.
I wonder if theres more to the story behind the crash. Seems fishy. RIP to the victims. Thoughts?
I wonder if the investigation will reveal the true cause of the crash. So tragic for their families. Justice must prevail.
Do you think the repatriation process was handled appropriately? Its a sensitive topic that raises questions about protocol and respect.
Why were they in Nigeria in the first place? Seems fishy… Coincidence or soing more sinister? 🤔 #conspiracytheory