British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has been left devastated following a horrific car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of his closest friends and team members, Latz and Sina. The incident, which occurred on a bustling expressway, has sent shockwaves through the sports world and beyond, highlighting the fragility of life even for those at the pinnacle of success.
Joshua, who was visiting his ancestral homeland, survived the crash with minor injuries and is currently in stable condition in a hospital. However, the loss of his personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami has cast a pall over what was meant to be a time of reflection and connection for the former heavyweight champion.
Remembering Latif Ayodele: A Pillar of Strength and Faith
Kevin Ayodele, better known as Latif “Latz” Ayodele or simply Latz, was far more than just a trainer to Anthony Joshua—he was a lifelong friend whose bond with the boxer predated Joshua’s rise to fame. Born Kevin Ayodele, he later converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdul Latif Ayodele, embracing his faith with deep commitment that shone through in his daily life and social media presence. Latz was a dedicated fitness enthusiast, often sharing motivational content about workouts, healthy living, and spiritual growth.
His Instagram account, under the handle @healthy_mindset, served as a window into his world, filled with posts showcasing intense gym sessions, Islamic teachings, and glimpses of his close-knit relationship with Joshua. Followers could see his passion for training, with videos and photos emphasizing discipline and positivity. Just hours before the tragedy, Joshua shared a lighthearted Instagram story of the two playing table tennis, captioned with playful banter, underscoring their unbreakable camaraderie.
Latz’s influence extended beyond physical training; he was a quiet force in Joshua’s entourage, helping shape the boxer’s mindset and supporting him through career highs and lows.
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Details of the Fatal Accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The crash unfolded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos, around 11 a.m. local time on Monday. Joshua and his team were traveling in a Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary truck, reportedly due to excessive speed and loss of control. The impact was severe, leaving the vehicle mangled and claiming the lives of Latz and Sina Ghami instantly at the scene.
Authorities from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that five men were involved in the accident, with Joshua sustaining only minor injuries. He was quickly pulled from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains under observation but in stable condition. Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoters, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as integral to Joshua’s inner circle.
A rare photo of Abdul Latif (Latz) leading Anthony Joshua in prayer pic.twitter.com/P5FNOlIFNU
— Joseph Muztich (@josephMuztich) December 29, 2025
Tributes have poured in from fans, fellow athletes, and even rivals like Jake Paul, who recently faced Joshua in the ring, offering condolences and emphasizing that some tragedies transcend competition. The accident serves as a stark reminder of road safety issues on Nigeria’s highways, where such incidents are not uncommon. As investigations continue, the boxing community mourns the untimely passing of two men who played pivotal roles in one of the sport’s biggest stars.
In the wake of this heartbreak, Joshua’s resilience will be tested once more, but the legacy of Latz—through his faith, fitness advocacy, and unwavering friendship—will undoubtedly endure.
