British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital in Nigeria following a road accident that killed two members of his close-knit team, state authorities said.
Joshua was cleared to continue his recovery outside hospital, with officials in Ogun and Lagos states confirming he was medically stable but deeply affected by the loss of his friends. The former world champion was described as “heartbroken” by the deaths.
The 36-year-old was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when it struck a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State near Lagos on Monday. Two occupants of the vehicle — Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele — were killed in the crash.
After leaving hospital on Wednesday, Joshua visited a funeral facility where the bodies of Ghami and Ayodele are being prepared for repatriation, according to a joint statement from the two states.
Promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the men, calling them loyal and irreplaceable figures in Joshua’s life and career. “Their energy and dedication will never be forgotten,” Hearn wrote on social media, offering condolences to their families and to Joshua.
Ghami had worked with Joshua for more than a decade as his full-time rehabilitation and performance coach, while Ayodele was also a long-standing friend and team member.
Ogun State police said investigations into the crash are continuing. The state’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency said preliminary findings suggest the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout before colliding with the truck.
Joshua, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, was visiting Nigeria following his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.
Tributes have also been shared by figures across the boxing world, including Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, who expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and support for Joshua as he mourns the loss.