Anthony Joshua Involved in Car Crash in Nigeria, Two Associates Killed
A tragic car accident in Nigeria has left two members of british boxing star Anthony Joshua’s team dead and the former heavyweight champion recovering from minor injuries, sparking renewed concern over road safety in the West African nation.
Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, is currently under observation in a Nigerian hospital following the incident, his promoter confirmed Monday. The crash, wich occurred along a major highway connecting Lagos and Abuja, involved a vehicle carrying Joshua and his team.
The deceased have been identified as Sina Belle, a fitness coach, and Latif Ayodele, a trainer. Just hours before the accident, Joshua and Ayodele shared a lighthearted moment playing table tennis, footage of which was posted on social media, a poignant reminder of the loss.
“He had not a bad intention or a bad bone in his body,” a friend of Ayodele, Mustafa Briggs, told Sky News, describing the trainer as a man who “loved life” and “enjoyed life.”
The impact of the tragedy is being felt globally. Bouquets of flowers have been placed outside Evolve gyms in London, the facility owned by Ghami, which was temporarily closed Tuesday to mourn its “beloved owner.”
Rising Road Accident Toll in Nigeria
The high-profile accident has intensified scrutiny of road safety conditions in Nigeria, where traffic fatalities are alarmingly common. Data from the country’s Federal Road Safety Corps reveals a disturbing trend: 9,570 road accidents resulted in 5,421 deaths in 2024, a 340-person increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
Experts attribute the grim statistics to a confluence of factors, including deteriorating road infrastructure, inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations, and reckless driving behavior. The presence of poorly maintained trucks, frequently parked along major thoroughfares, further exacerbates the problem, often causing significant traffic congestion and contributing to accidents.
“The prevalence of accidents in Nigeria is a serious issue,” stated Ache Ogu, CEO of the Road Accident Prevention network Center, an Abuja-based NGO. “Most of the trucks are not in order, and the law enforcement agency needs to step up its efforts.”
One Lagos resident, Monisola Abosede, a 27-year-old marketer, shared her own harrowing experiences, having been involved in two accidents in December alone.”In Lagos, everyone is in a rush to get somewhere; people are always on the move,” she explained, attributing the crashes to the city’s congested traffic and dilapidated road network.
Outpouring of Support from the Boxing World
The boxing community has rallied around Joshua in the wake of the tragedy.British heavyweight Tyson fury expressed his sorrow on Instagram, writng, “This is so sad. May god give them a good bed in heaven.”
Boxer Chris Eubank Jr. posted on X, “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both … they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
Shannon Courtenay, a British women’s bantamweight fighter, shared a photo with Joshua on Instagram, writing, “As well as Sina and Latz please keep the big man (joshua) in your prayers.No man should have to go through and witness what he went through today losing his two best friends.”
Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, who famously battled Joshua at Wembley Stadium in 2017, also offered his condolences on X. “I’m deeply saddened to hear about AJ and his close-knit group of friends. having had the pleasure of engaging in an unforgettable battle with AJ, I’ve always regarded him as a true class act who commands my utmost respect.My heart goes out to him, and I wish him and his loved ones all the best during this tough time.”
As Joshua continues his recovery, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures in Nigeria and the devastating consequences of preventable accidents.
