Anthony Joshua asks for privacy to mourn friends as Tinubu condoles the boxer's family

 Former world champion Anthony Joshua, who “narrowly escaped death” after a car he was travelling in was involved in a fatal crash in Nigeria, has asked for a quiet moment to mourn friends who died in the crash.

Joshua is in a stable condition and communicating with his family. Babaseyi Boluwatife, police public relations officer of Ogun State Police Command, said on Monday evening that Joshua was “still receiving treatment but in good condition”.

The two men who died were Sina Ghami, who had been Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than ten years, and Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer. They were taken to Livewell Hospital Morgue in nearby Sagamu.

A spokesman for Joshua said: “It is with the most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.

“We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.

“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to the hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian President, said on X: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention. May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, paid tribute to the “great men” killed in the crash. “Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone,” he said.

In a statement on X, a spokesman for the road safety officials said preliminary findings indicated that the Lexus SUV, which was carrying Joshua, was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into a stationary truck.

The Ogun state government said Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were “promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy” and were taken to a hospital.

 A spokesman for the Ogun and Lagos state governments said doctors confirmed both men were stable and added, “A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.

“The governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.”

The FSRC said they arrived at the scene within three minutes of the initial report, “enabling swift rescue operations”.

Witnesses told Nigerian media that Joshua had been travelling in a two-car convoy and was seated behind the driver when the crash occurred.

Joshua was born in England to Nigerian parents. He defeated Jake Paul in a heavyweight clash that took place on December 19 in Miami, Florida.

Paul posted on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Joshua spent some of the early years of his life in Nigeria, as he attended Mayflower School in Ikenne, Ogun and is currently a sports ambassador in Ogun. He moved back to the UK at the age of 12 after his parents’ divorce, and he spent the rest of his childhood in Garston, Hertfordshire.

He has entered the ring multiple times, prominently displaying the flag of Nigeria. Joshua won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and in 2017, he won what was dubbed the fight of the year by beating Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian who held multiple heavyweight world championships between 2000 and 2015.

In the 2013 New Year Honours, Joshua was appointed an MBE for services to boxing by Queen Elizabeth II, and he was given an OBE in December 2018 after he received recognition for his achievements in the Queen’s birthday honours.

The Foreign Office said: “We are urgently investigating reports of a road incident in Nigeria involving at least one British national and stand ready to offer consular assistance, if requested. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families.”