Anthony Joshua Cheated Death in Horror Nigeria Crash: Seat Swap Saved Boxer as Driver Faces Charges and Fury Fight Hangs in Balance
London/Nigeria, January 7, 2026 – In a tragic twist of fate that has shaken the boxing world, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a devastating car crash in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of his two closest friends and confidants, Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif “Latz” Kevin Ayodele.
The Lexus SUV, driven by 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Eyewitnesses described the impact as sounding “like a bomb going off.” Joshua, 36, was pulled from the mangled wreckage grimacing in agony, crying out, “I feel pain all over,” according to reports and roadside footage.
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What saved Joshua’s life was a last-minute seat swap. Sources reveal that the boxer, a towering 6ft 6in figure, initially sat in the front passenger seat but moved to the back because he was obstructing the driver’s view of the wing mirror. “He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver,” a close associate explained. “From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
Ghami, Joshua’s trusted strength coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer and motivational force, tragically occupied the front seats at the time of the crash and were killed instantly. The trio had been longtime pillars in Joshua’s career, traveling the world for fights and training camps.
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Joshua and driver Kayode survived with injuries. The boxer was rushed to one of Nigeria’s premier private hospitals, featuring elite “Harley Street Practice” VIP suites on the sixth floor, offering Duchess Royal Suites with 24-hour one-to-one care, gourmet meals, and five-star luxury starting at £2,000 per package. His mother, Yeta Odusanya, flew to his bedside as he recovered. Initial reports downplayed his injuries as “minor,” but sources close to AJ feared worse – possible rib and knee damage – casting doubt on his anticipated £100m mega-fight with Tyson Fury.
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Nigerian police have charged Kayode with four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating without a valid license. Bail was set at 5 million Naira (£2,580), allowable in valuables under local rules. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Thousands gathered at London’s Central Mosque on January 5 for the emotional janaza prayers of Ghami and Ayodele, whose bodies were repatriated from Nigeria. Joshua, visibly devastated, broke down in tears multiple times during the service, supported by family and mourners spilling onto the streets.
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In his first public update since the tragedy, Joshua shared a heartfelt photo with his mother and the bereaved families, vowing ongoing support. Tributes have poured in, with rival Tyson Fury among those paying respects.
The crash has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s road safety, while Joshua’s future in the ring remains uncertain amid recovery and grief. Friends describe him as traumatized, with one saying “everybody is worried” about his mental state. As the boxing community rallies, AJ honors his “brothers” lost too soon.
