‘The Mission Must Go On’: Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence On Nigeria Tragedy

Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time about the car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his closest friends and long-time members of his professional team, describing the loss as devastating and life-altering.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist was travelling in Nigeria on 29 December when the vehicle he was in collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos. Two people were killed in the crash: Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and his strength and rehabilitation coach, Sina Ghami. Both men were childhood friends who had worked alongside Joshua for many years and were central figures in his personal and professional life.

One month after the accident, Joshua released an emotional video message to supporters on his YouTube channel, saying he had struggled to find the words to address the tragedy publicly.

“This is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care and support through that tragic, traumatic time,” Joshua said. “The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission. We went back home to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside down. It was an unforeseen circumstance completely out of our control.”

Joshua emphasised that the impact of the deaths extended far beyond himself, noting the profound loss felt by the families and wider community around Ayodele and Ghami.

“Not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends and myself lose two great men – we lost people who were major players in all of our lives,” he said. “Major, major players. It’s tough. It’s really tough.”

While visibly emotional throughout the video, Joshua made clear that he did not wish to engage with public speculation or scrutiny over how he was processing the grief.

“I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions,” he said. “I know in today’s day and age it’s easy to analyse people and pass judgment. But I know what I thought, and I know how I feel. I know what my duty is.”

He described Ayodele and Ghami not only as colleagues but as family.

“They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost,” Joshua said. “Then we became business partners. We became hustlers, generals, housemates – everything. We were living together. It’s a shame. What can I say?”

In one of the most reflective moments of the message, Joshua spoke candidly about mortality, faith and finding comfort amid loss.

“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared at all,” he said. “It’s actually comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but not like this – my left and my right. I didn’t even realise I was the big guy. I was walking with giants who protected me and shielded me. But the mission must go on.”

Joshua said he had committed himself to supporting the families of Ayodele and Ghami and to continuing the work they had begun together.

“My goal is to help their families and to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical,” he said. “When I pray at night and in the morning, I know spiritually they’re going to aid me through. It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power.”

He added: “I don’t want to say legacy – it’s not about legacy. It’s about doing what’s right. And I know what’s right for them and their families.”

Joshua, 36, is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul, a bout that drew widespread attention and reignited discussion about his future in the sport. In the aftermath of the crash, speculation emerged that Joshua might consider retirement, though his comments suggested he has not yet made a final decision.

With Tyson Fury expected to return to the ring later this year in a bout backed by Netflix, there has been renewed discussion of a potential all-British heavyweight clash that would rank among the most significant fights in UK boxing history.

For now, however, Joshua made clear that boxing is not his priority.

His focus, he said, remains on healing, honouring the men he described as his brothers, and “doing what I believe is right”.