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Latif Ayodele (left) and Sina Ghami (right) were close friends and team members of Anthony Joshua

ByPaul Battison

BBC Sport Journalist

Two of Anthony Joshua's "close friends and team members" were killed in the car crash in Nigeria in which the British heavyweight boxer was injured.

Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died when the vehicle they were in, alongside Joshua and another passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Joshua is stable and conscious and did not require emergency medical help, according to Ogun state government., external

Joshua's promoters Matchroom offered their "deepest condolences and prayers" to the family and friends of Ghami and Ayodele, who was also known as 'Latz'.

"With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away," read a statement.

"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.

"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time."

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn said: "With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."

A spokesperson for Joshua said Ghami and Ayodele were "integral" to the boxer's team, adding the news of their deaths was "truly shocking and devastating".

'Massive parts of the Joshua machine'

Ghami was Joshua's full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and had worked with the 36-year-old for more than 10 years.

He helped the former heavyweight champion prepare for some of the biggest bouts of his career, including the title-winning fight against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and this month's win over Jake Paul.

Ghami has also worked with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell and the Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele, a personal trainer.

Boxing expert Steve Bunce described Ghami and Ayodele as "two of Joshua's closest friends".

"They've been with him, if not from the start, at least very early on. Latz is AJ's personal trainer and Sina is his strength and conditioning man. They are with him all the time," Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live.