Anthony Joshua has shared his first public reflections following the fatal car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends in Nigeria. The incident involved his teammates Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who were killed when their vehicle collided with a stationary car. Joshua was also in the car but sustained minor injuries.
On social media, Joshua paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, expressing his grief and gratitude for the support he has received from fans and the boxing community.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua wrote on Instagram. “I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. 100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
The accident occurred shortly after Joshua’s December victory over Jake Paul in Miami. He had been traveling to visit relatives for the New Year when the crash took place. According to reports, the driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged in court, including with causing death by dangerous driving.
Kamaru Usman Responds to Video Backlash
Earlier, a video posted by former UFC champion Kamaru Usman drew criticism online. The footage, later deleted, showed Joshua on FaceTime discussing the incident shortly after it occurred. The recording was captured during Usman’s AKO MMA event in Lagos, Nigeria, and was intended as behind-the-scenes content.
Kamaru Usman is trending in Nigeria because the mixed martial artist has tendered an apology following criticism directed his way for releasing a video of a private FaceTime conversation he had with grieving boxer, Anthony Joshua.
In the footage shared by Kamaru Usman, an… pic.twitter.com/DcFoyXHqxo
— Why It Is Trending (@trendingblog247) January 8, 2026
Following the backlash, Usman issued a public apology, taking responsibility for not realizing the video would be released.
“After seeing what’s being written it’s quite heartbreaking,” Usman wrote on X. “Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded. I realized after and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly watching the video that was released and keeping my private conversation with my brother AJ private. SMH. Big L on me. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend/ brother.”
After seeing what’s being written it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded. I realized after and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly watching…
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 8, 2026
The incident has drawn widespread attention and sympathy from fans, fighters, and the boxing community alike. Joshua’s heartfelt message underscores the personal loss he has endured, while Usman’s apology clarifies his role in the unintentional sharing of private moments.
This tragic event is a reminder of the fragility of life outside the sport, even for athletes at the top of their game, and the importance of respecting privacy during times of grief.
