Anthony Joshua pays tribute to personal trainer and former Hertfordshire footballer after death in car crash
Boxer Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who had spells playing for two football clubs in Hertfordshire, after his death in a car crash in Nigeria.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were close friends of the former World Heavyweight Champion boxer, died in a crash in Lagos on December 29 2025, which involved a Lexus SUV and a stationary truck, and happened on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment following the crash.
Joshua took to social media on January 8 to pay tribute to Latif – also known as Latz – and Sina, who he described as ‘brothers’.
Latif had spells playing for both Hemel Hempstead Town and Kings Langley in Hertfordshire.
"Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers," Joshua wrote.
"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 per cent it is 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."
Latif played for Hemel Hempstead Town during the 2012-2013 season, making seven appearances for the club.
He had two spells with Kings Langley - making six appearances during a spell with the side in the 2012-2013 season, and a further two appearances during the 2014-2015 campaign.
He played for multiple clubs across the Home Counties, including AFC Dunstable, Aylesbury FC and Aylesbury United.
"As a defender, Mr Ayodele demonstrated strength and pace, becoming one of the team's most reliable and impressive contributors during a challenging season, often excelling in multiple positions on the field," Aylesbury United wrote in tribute.
"Beyond his football career, Mr Ayodele played an important role in Anthony Joshua’s training setup, serving as a personal trainer, friend and mentor."
Hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on his Instagram page of him playing table tennis against Latif.
Sina, who also died in the crash, was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, and worked with the fighter for more than 10 years.