At a Glance
- Anthony Joshua discharged from Lagos hospital after fatal crash.
- Two team members, coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died.
- Crash occurred on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at 11 a.m. Monday.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights Nigeria’s high road-accident death toll and brings scrutiny to safety for high-profile individuals.
Anthony Joshua, the former Olympic gold-medalist and heavyweight champion, was released from Lagoon Hospital in Lagos on Wednesday after a road collision that claimed the lives of his coach and trainer.
Crash and Hospitalization
The collision happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at about 11 a.m. Monday. Joshua was under observation at Lagoon Hospital for minor injuries and was deemed clinically fit to return home on Wednesday.
- The vehicle he was in struck a stationary truck.
- Footage shows him being extricated while wincing in pain.
- Hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele posted table-tennis clips on social media.
Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information, said on X that Joshua and his mother were at the funeral home to pay final respects as the two departed friends were being prepared for repatriation.
Eddie Hearn posted on Instagram:
> “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
Road Safety Context
Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps, a rise of 340 deaths from 2023.
| Year | Road Accidents | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9,570 | 5,081 |
| 2024 | 9,570 | 5,421 |
The crash underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua is back home after hospitalization.
- The fatal crash killed his coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
- Nigeria’s 2024 road-accident death toll rose by 340 from the previous year.
Anthony Joshua‘s release marks a bittersweet moment as he mourns the loss of close teammates while returning to normalcy.
