Anthony Joshua 'makes miracle recovery from Nigeria car crash' amid police manhunt for lorry driver

James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 01/01/2026

- 04:02

The ex-world champion is said to be recuperating at his Nigerian home after earlier reports said he might spend New Year's Eve in hospital

Anthony Joshua has made what has been described as a "miracle recovery" following a fatal car accident in Nigeria which claimed the lives of two of his friends.

The 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion sustained no fractures and has been discharged from hospital, according to a Government statement.


He is now recuperating at his Nigerian home.

Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their respects to his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele.

The boxer had initially reported severe knee pain - and was heard crying out as rescuers pulled him from the wrecked Lexus SUV.

Medical staff at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos treated him before confirming he was fit to recover at home.

Ghami and Ayodele's bodies are being prepared for repatriation to the UK, with the process scheduled to begin on the evening of the funeral home visit.

Both men died on impact, sources close to the boxer told The Sun.

Anthony Joshua

The ex-world champion is said to be recuperating at his Nigerian home after earlier reports said he might spend New Year's Eve in hospital

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REUTERS

Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach.

Ayodele was also a close aide who travelled regularly with the former champion.

The two men were seated on the opposite side of the vehicle from Joshua and the hired local driver, who both narrowly escaped death.

Nigerian authorities have attributed the crash to a burst tyre.

Anthony Joshua and friends

Latif Ayodele (right) and Sina Ghami (centre-left) had all travelled to Nigeria with Anthony Joshua

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INSTAGRAM/HEALTHY_MINDSET

A Federal Road Safety Corps source said: "Preliminary reports indicate the driver exceeded speed limits and overtook dangerously before the crash."

"These are serious offences under Nigerian law and can attract criminal liability if fatalities are involved."

The SUV driver has been discharged from hospital and given a statement to police.

Local media report he may face prosecution for reckless driving.

The lorry driver whose vehicle collided with Joshua's SUV fled the scene immediately after the accident.

Nigerian police are actively searching for him.

Tyson Fury John Fury

Both Tyson Fury and his father John have paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele following the tragedy

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PA

Sources close to Joshua have expressed greater concern about his mental state than his physical injuries.

The emotional trauma of losing two devoted friends in such circumstances is expected to weigh heavily on the boxer.

Fears have also risen that the tragedy could put a halt to Joshua's planned bouts for next year.

A long-anticipated showdown with British rival Tyson Fury may now be in doubt.

Both Fury and his father John have paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele following the tragedy.