President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reached out to Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, following a tragic road accident in Ogun State that left the world-renowned athlete injured and claimed the lives of two of his closest associates. The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief and sympathy from political leaders, sports figures, and fans across the globe, underscoring Joshua’s stature not only as a boxing icon but also as a deeply respected individual within and beyond the sporting community.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu confirmed that he personally spoke with Joshua via telephone to express his condolences and to pray for his recovery. The President described the conversation as emotional, noting the pain of losing trusted companions in such sudden circumstances.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” the President was quoted as saying.
President Tinubu also extended his concern to Joshua’s family, particularly his mother, whom he contacted to offer words of comfort and prayers. According to the President, the gesture was warmly received. “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call,” Tinubu added.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s concern, the President disclosed that he had also spoken with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment. Tinubu said the governor assured him that every necessary step was being taken to ensure the boxer received the highest standard of medical attention.
“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention,” the President stated.
While Joshua is reported to be in stable condition and under close medical supervision, the tragedy has been compounded by the loss of two key members of his inner circle: Kevin Lateef Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both aged 36. The two men were not only longtime friends of Joshua but also integral parts of his professional journey.
Kevin Ayodele, widely known as “Latz,” served as Joshua’s personal trainer and was a familiar face within Team Joshua. Sina Ghami, on the other hand, was Joshua’s sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for more than a decade, playing a crucial role in maintaining the boxer’s physical condition through some of the most demanding periods of his career.
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Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared a lighthearted moment with Ayodele on social media. A video posted on his Instagram page showed the pair playing table tennis, accompanied by the caption: “@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke.” Ayodele reposted the same clip on his own account, a moment that has since taken on deep emotional significance for fans and followers.
Ayodele’s life extended beyond boxing. He was a former non-League footballer who featured for clubs including Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps, and Northwood. He attended St Joan of Arc Catholic School in Rickmansworth, close to Joshua’s hometown of Watford. In 2012, the same year Joshua won Olympic gold, Ayodele converted to Islam, later describing the decision as the biggest blessing of his life. In 2019, he founded the company Healthy Mindset, though it was liquidated two years later.
Sina Ghami was equally influential behind the scenes. He worked closely with Joshua during several landmark bouts, including the iconic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. Later that year, Ghami co-founded Evolve Gym in South Ruislip. The gym described him as a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator specializing in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise. Beyond boxing, Ghami worked with elite athletes in American football and basketball, including Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Tributes have poured in from high-profile athletes and figures across the sporting world. Chris Eubank Jnr expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of Ayodele and Ghami, describing them as genuinely good men. Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams also paid tribute, offering prayers for the families left behind. American boxing champion Badou Jack said he was still in shock and prayed for mercy and peace for the departed.
Earlier this year, Ayodele and Ghami were among the co-founders of a new venture, Panther Syndicate Limited, reflecting their continued ambition and close partnership beyond Joshua’s immediate boxing commitments.
As investigations into the accident continue, the focus remains on Joshua’s recovery and honoring the lives of two men who played pivotal roles in his personal and professional journey. The tragedy has highlighted the fragility of life and the deep bonds formed behind the scenes of sporting greatness, bonds that have now left an indelible mark on the global boxing community.
