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Trump introduces himself as ‘acting president of Venezuela’

12, January 2026

Trump introduces himself as ‘acting president of Venezuela’ 0

US President Donald Trump has introduced himself in a post on Truth Social as Venezuela’s acting president, days after a US attack that led to the abduction of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump on Sunday posted a picture of himself on his social media website as the “acting president of Venezuela,” portraying himself as the interim leader of the country as of January 2026.

On January 3, American forces staged an illegal military attack on Caracas, abducting Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and then transferring them to a prison facility in the United States.

The democratically-elected Venezuelan leader is now being tried in a kangaroo court in New York for fake charges allegedly related to trafficking guns and drugs.

Trump later announced that his administration would “run” Venezuela. He has especially emphasized that he is now in full control of all transactions linked to the country’s oil industry.

In an interview with the New York Times published on Thursday, Trump pointed out that the United States could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenue for years to come.

Trump has been pressing American oil companies reluctant to purchase oil from the leftist South American country to buy the country’s crude and resume their operations in Venezuela.

US oil majors, who lost their assets in Venezuela when the industry was nationalized by former President Hugo Chavez nearly two decades ago, insist that the laws in the Latin American country must be changed before they can start work.

Trump responded to their demand, telling them not to be “cute.”

Following Maduro’s abduction, his vice president, Delcy Rodrigues, was sworn in by the country’s top court as the interim president.

Since then, Rodrigues’ government has been engaged in diplomatic talks with the Trump administration, while a US team of diplomatic and security personnel arrived in Caracas to assess the possibility of reopening the US embassy in the Venezuelan capital.

At the same time, Maduro’s supporters have been marching in the streets of Caracas on a daily basis, calling for the immediate release of their popular leader and his wife, who remain in US custody.

Source: Presstv

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 11 Amba fighters killed in military ambush

7, January 2026

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 11 Amba fighters killed in military ambush 0

At least 11 separatist fighters have been killed in a military ambush in Cameroon’s war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, security sources said Tuesday.

The fighting occurred on Tuesday at about 3:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when troops ambushed a motorcycle convoy of separatist fighters in Ntabah locality of the region, a security source in the region said.

A soldier was injured in the operation and is receiving treatment, the source said.

Cameroon’s English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest have been gripped by an armed conflict since 2017, as separatist groups seek to establish an independent state in the two regions.

Source: Xinhuanet

Kidnapping of the Mayor of Eyumojock : Cameroon Concord News weighs in!!

6, January 2026

Kidnapping of the Mayor of Eyumojock : Cameroon Concord News weighs in!! 0

It has been brought to the attention of the Board of Directors of the Cameroon Concord News Group that the young, dynamic and determined mayor of Eyumojock in Manyu Division of Cameroon, Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita, has been kidnapped by some reckless, irresponsible and destructive armed men who are using the Southern Cameroons crisis to line their pockets and settle scores.

The brilliant mayor who has the interest of his people at heart was picked up by men of the underworld while driving along the Mbakem-Taboh road.

These criminals must release Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita immediately for him to continue delivering the good results he is known for.

The Cameroon Concord News Group is informing the kidnappers that they have crossed the reddest of the red lines and that this irresponsible and cowardly action will come back to hurt them in a big and bad way.

These kidnappers, who have little or nothing to do with the crisis, must know that they will not escape the wrath of the people and the full strength of the Cameroon military.

The Cameroon Concord News Group is calling on the kidnappers to release Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita immediately if they must escape the wrath of the law.

The Cameroon Concord News Group will use all the resources available to it to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice if they fail to release this young mayor who is loved by his people. They should not underestimate the will and determination of the media.

The criminals are therefore being urged to do the right thing before it is too late. Anybody suspected of being involved directly or indirectly in the kidnapping of Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita should understand that he or she will not go unpunished.

Signed by:

Dr. Joachim Arrey

Chairman Board of Directors

Cameroon Concord News Group.

Indomitable Lions beat Bafana Bafana to reach AFCON 2025 quarterfinals against Morocco

4, January 2026

Indomitable Lions beat Bafana Bafana to reach AFCON 2025 quarterfinals against Morocco 0

A statement win in the Round of 16. Cameroon showed efficiency and composure to knock out South Africa and book a quarterfinal date with the host.

An intense battle from the opening whistle

The AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash got off to a fast, physical start as South Africa and Cameroon traded early momentum. Both sides tested the waters, with set pieces and direct play defining the opening exchanges.

Bafana Bafana looked to assert themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power and quick transitions going forward.

Tchamadeu breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Junior Tchamadeu capitalized on a well-worked move to beat the South African back line and give Cameroon a deserved lead heading into the break.

South Africa tried to respond before halftime, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to draw level.

Kofane doubles the lead and Cameroon take control

The second half could not have started better for Cameroon. At 54 minutes, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and shifting full control of the match to the Lions.

With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and looking to exploit gaps on the counter.

Late drama, but no comeback

Just when the match seemed settled, South Africa found a late lifeline. In the 88th minute, Evidence Maggopa attacked the space inside the box to meet a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba, pulling one back to make it 2–1 and adding real tension to the closing moments.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held their nerve and protected the lead to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals.

Cameroon march on to a heavyweight quarterfinal

Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal and composed in key moments, Cameroon closed out a 2-1 victory to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Awaiting them is a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.

The Indomitable Lions move forward with confidence, while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Source: beIN Sports

Venezuela declares state of emergency after US hits civilian, military targets

3, January 2026

Venezuela declares state of emergency after US hits civilian, military targets 0

At least seven explosions have shaken Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, as low-flying aircraft have been detected in the skies above the city, in what the Venezuelan government said were coordinated US strikes.

Explosions and smoke were reported across Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, at around 2 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) with power outages near a key military base and reports of low-flying aircraft on Saturday.

People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas.

President Nicolas Maduro announced a nationwide state of emergency, ordered the full activation of national defense plans, and authorized the deployment of comprehensive defense commands across the country in response to the attacks.

In a statement, the Venezuelan government said US forces carried out coordinated strikes on civilian and military targets in Caracas and several other states, describing the operation as a direct act of military aggression aimed at seizing the country’s oil and mineral wealth.

The government urged its supporters to mobilize nationwide in response to the attacks.

“People to the streets!” the statement said. “The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”

Caracas said it retains the right to legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and called on regional governments and the international community to stand against what it described as imperialist aggression.

American news outlets reported that US President Donald Trump had greenlighted direct attacks on Venezuelan soil several days ago.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling on the UN to convene immediately to discuss the issue.

“Caracas has been attacked by missiles, and the world must be aware; Venezuela is under attack. The Organization of American States and the United Nations must convene immediately,” Petro said in a post published on X.

Source: Presstv

Russia makes largest territorial gains in Ukraine since 2022 invasion

3, January 2026

Russia makes largest territorial gains in Ukraine since 2022 invasion 0

Russia’s battlefield gains in Ukraine last year were the highest since 2022, an AFP analysis showed, as Kyiv was set to host security advisers from allied states on Saturday despite Moscow’s unrelenting strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said around 15 countries would attend the talks, along with representatives from the European Union and NATO, with a US delegation joining the meeting via video link.

The talks – and a subsequent summit of leaders from the so-called coalition of the willing planned for next week in France – are the latest in a flurry of efforts to end the nearly four-year war.

Zelensky said in a New Year’s Eve address that a US-brokered peace deal was “90 percent” ready, though the important issue of territory remains unresolved.

The diplomatic push comes as Russia presses its advantage against outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.

The Russian army captured over 5,600 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in 2025.

The Russian army captured more than 5,600 square kilometres, or nearly one percent, of Ukrainian territory in 2025, according to an analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which works with the Critical Threats Project.

This includes areas that Kyiv and military analysts say are controlled by Russia, as well as those claimed by Moscow’s army.

The land captured is more than in the previous two years combined, though far short of the more than 60,000 square kilometres Russia took in 2022, the first year of its all-out invasion.

Source: AFP

Biya: Final speech from the great dictator

31, December 2025

Biya: Final speech from the great dictator 0

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During my recent swearing-in ceremony, I pledged to continue working, together with you, for the emergence of a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.

In my view, achieving this objective is a sacred duty. It is a duty to which I intend to continue devote all my time and energy, as I have in the past.

I am duty-bound, given the trust you have continued to place in me since my accession to the helm of State. Moreover, you just renewed that trust in a convincing manner in the 12 October poll.

To me, this is an expression of satisfaction with what we have achieved together this far, and a commitment to continue our joint efforts with ever greater determination for the advancement of our country.

My dear compatriots,

During the year ending and throughout the seven-year term that has just ended, we successfully overcame many challenges together.

Even more daunting challenges await us in the coming year and as we embrace the new seven-year term. However, I have no doubt about our collective ability to face these challenges.

Everything will be possible as long as we stay united. Indeed, we have the courage, ingenuity and determination.

My dear compatriots,

There is no doubt whatever that significant progress has been achieved in many areas this year, despite numerous internal and external constraints.

On the political front, our democratic system has once again proven its vitality. The successful organization of the presidential and regional elections confirms the entrenchment of democracy in our country.

Despite the post-presidential election unrest due to the actions of some irresponsible political leaders, the vast majority of Cameroonians demonstrated great maturity. Together, we have preserved what we cherish most: national unity, peace and stability.

Security wise, our defence and security forces, whose professionalism I will continue to commend, have been waging a courageous fight against terrorists and other criminals who jeopardize the safety of our people and their property.

On the economic and financial front, the structural reforms we have implemented with the support of our international partners have consolidated our public finances and preserved the main macroeconomic balances.

The investment budget has increased significantly.

Despite the uncertainty of the global economy, necessary measures have been taken to curb inflation and boost local production.

Many projects are being implemented or launched across various sectors to address the concerns of the people and improve their well-being.

In this respect, the commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam and numerous solar power plants, especially in the northern regions, has increased power supply.

There is ongoing construction of new power transmission lines and rehabilitation of the existing grid. The completion of these projects will improve electricity supply to industry and households.

Furthermore, I instructed the takeover of ENEO, marking a decisive milestone towards restoring our energy sovereignty and controlling the reform of this strategic sector, which requires substantial investment.

Significant progress has also been made to provide our people with drinking water in urban and rural areas.

To this end, the rehabilitation and extension of drinking water distribution networks will be stepped up to meet the needs in the area.

Rest assured that I am deeply concerned, just as you are, about improving our road infrastructure.

As I recently announced, a special programme to rehabilitate degraded roads and construct new ones will be launched in the year just beginning. It will help, among other things, to improve urban and inter-urban mobility, as well as access to production basins.

In the same vein, we will intensify efforts to enhance the performance of our education and public health systems. We will also pay special attention to the development of the digital economy, the strengthening of our industrial fabric, the processing of agricultural produce and the improvement of the business climate.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

As you may have noticed, Cameroon has remained steadfast in its resolute march towards progress, thanks to Government’s tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions of our hard-working citizens.

This reality can be seen, felt and observed by all. Of course, during election periods, such as the one we have just experienced and will experience again in the coming months, it is common for candidates seeking to win the trust of the people to make statements that do not reflect the reality.

Hence, some of them claimed that the current government has done nothing, absolutely nothing. They also promised you the moon and claimed to be able to solve all your problems with a wave of a magic wand.

There could be no better lie. I have not stopped and will never stop warning you against these purveyors of false hope.

For my part, since my accession to the helm of State, I have opted to tell you the truth. I have never tried to hide from you the difficulties we face, mainly due to an increasingly complex international context.

These difficulties which delay or hinder the implementation of projects designed to improve your well-being are, however, not insurmountable. We proved it yesterday. We are proving it today, and we will prove it again tomorrow, together.

My dear compatriots,

True to the duty of truth that I have just mentioned, I readily acknowledge that, despite the laudable track record that I have just presented to you, sustained efforts still need to made, without delay, to significantly improve your living conditions.

Such will be the priority for the Government that I will form in the coming days.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During the election campaign and in my swearing-in speech, I presented to you the agenda that I intend to roll out to address your concerns, aspirations and demands.

I would like to reiterate that improving the situation of women and the youth will be the core of my priorities, as I pledged to do.

Under my authority, the Government will ensure the effective implementation of the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan, the guidelines for which were presented during my swearing-in ceremony.

The sum of 50 billion CFA francs has already been set aside in the 2026 State budget to finance initial tranches of youth-led projects.

I will also ensure that measures are implemented to improve women empowerment and to guarantee greater youth participation in the management of public affairs.

Let me recall, however, that the idea is not to stigmatize other age groups or categories of our society. Beyond the age and gender criteria, qualifications, skills, integrity and commitment to serving the public interest will continue to be prioritized in access to or retention of duty posts, as well as in promotions.

However, we will strive to better reconcile youth and experience than in the past and, above all, to vigorously combat injustices arising from membership of a particular ethnic or cultural group, gender, religion or age group. In this way, we will be able to better promote equal opportunities and enable skills that are too often overlooked, at home and in the diaspora, to participate in the lofty task of nation building.

My dear compatriots,

In line with my appeal during the swearing-in ceremony, I would like to stress the need to step up our collective efforts to promote living together and consolidate national unity in the face of cultural isolationism and hate speech that are replete in the media and threatening the very foundations of our beloved and great country, Cameroon.

We are a people renowned for our diversity. We are an assortment of ethnic groups, languages, cultures and religions that many envy. This distinctive feature is an undeniable asset and a source of pride. We must make the most of it. Indeed, it is our greatest asset. We must make it the crucible of our indispensable unity, one that will be even stronger because it is forged by this desire to live together, which is also our distinctive feature.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I urge you to do everything in your power to preserve peace and the stability in our country. They have been severely put to test in recent years, particularly in the Far-North, North-West and South-West Regions. They were also tested during the unrest that followed the post-election period. They are challenged on a daily basis by increasing attacks on State authority, widespread disregard for the rule of law, and the growing use of violent language and behaviour, all of which is underpinned by a creeping sense of impunity. This is not acceptable.

The nation-building process to which we are firmly committed cannot tolerate disorder, indiscipline and impunity. It is essential that we take vigorous control of the relevant sectors. We will set about doing so forthwith.

We will pursue, with renewed determination, our efforts to consolidate the gradual return to normalcy taking place in the regions mentioned earlier on. I have high hopes for the virtues of community dialogue, which I recently encouraged. I urge the administrative authorities, traditional rulers and vital forces of the regions concerned to commit themselves resolutely to this process.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I would like to reiterate my appeal for unity in the best interests of our beloved and great country. I know I can count on your unwavering support in this regard. I reiterate my determination to remain worthy of the trust you have placed in me.

Let me restate tonight that I have confidence in the future of our country. Rest assured that the best is still to come.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year 2026.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Cameroon!

October 12: The truth about the Biya-Tchiroma affair

31, December 2025

October 12: The truth about the Biya-Tchiroma affair 0

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Anicet Ekane, Djeukam Tchameni and other allies did not agree to an early offer of appointments into the government of Paul Biya barely a week after the 12 October presidential election in Cameroon, even before the National Vote-Counting Commission had done its work.

Tchiroma declared he won the election but the Constitutional Council proclaimed the results a fortnight later in favour of Paul Biya.

“If this was not an acknowledgement of defeat and panic to pamper Tchiroma, what was it?” says a political commentator about Biya’s early offer, considered premature, considering the timing.

“Tell me who, sure to win an election, would undertake maneuvers to lure someone they were sure they have defeated. It’s all clear. Biya knew Tchiroma had won.”

In what appeared to be panic over early returns from the polls and perhaps state intelligence reports, suggesting Tchiroma was winning the election by a comfortable margin, henchmen of the Biya regime swung into action and approached Tchiroma and his allies. They offered him and them appointments into the government and certain government companies (otherwise called parastatals), according to authoritative sources, close to Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

A special envoy of the Presidency of the Republic, Philippe Mbarga Mboa went on a top secret mission to Douala on 19 October to discuss a deal with Tchiroma’s main allies Anicet Ekani and Djeukam Tchameni.

“That move was possibly both to use their influence to bring Tchiroma along, or failing which, they should abandon him and selfishly accept the appointments,” continued the commentator who sued for anonymity.

Mbarga Mboa who is Minister for Special Duties at the Presidency proposed to them appointments into the government as Prime Minister, ministers of state, ministers, minister delegate, secretaries of state, directors general and board chairs in government companies. Ekani and Tchameni did not accept the offer. Both men were later arrested. Ekani died in detention.

Tchiroma has said in several speeches and statements that he will not negotiate and will not betray the struggle to claim what he confidently calls his “victory in the 12 October polls”.

Contacted for comment via a WhatsApp call on 16 December, Mbarga Mboa asked me, “Why are you bringing this up now? To serve what purpose? When did this happen?”

When I gave him the date, he said, “That has been long. Is it necessary now?”

As a close collaborator of the Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Mbarga Mboa was seen playing a key role in the pre-election consultations with political forces from different regions of the country. Ngoh Ngoh, described as the de facto Vice President or even the “acting” President of the Republic as the aged Biya is often considered out of form, is understood to be the main push behind the actions of aides at the Cameroon Presidency to desperately retain power, despite what observers describe as clear signs Biya lost the election to Tchiroma.

Mbarga Mboa’s visit to Douala was ostensibly to meet and strategize with local CPDM barons and allies there, especially the northern kingpin in Douala, Bayero Fadil.

Faced with the failure of Mbarga Mboa’s mission, higher level steps were taken to reach out to Tchiroma. There have been reports of negotiations at different levels, some reportedly involving the government of France and other foreign partners to coarse Tchiroma to give up his claim to victory in the 12 October presidential election. But Tchiroma has repeatedly said he will not negotiate.

Feeling unsafe at his residence in Garoua where several high risk incidents had been reported, Tchiroma relocated to Nigeria and later to the Gambia.

He or his appointed spokesperson Barrister Alice Nkom have continued to claim his victory was stolen by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the institution charged with organizing elections in Cameroon and the Constitutional Council, the highest judicial organ in the country, charged with deliberating over election litigations and proclaiming election results. They insist Tchiroma’s stolen victory must be restored.

*The author, Franklin Sone Bayen, is a freelance investigative journalist trained in Israel and an Alfred Friendly (US) Press Partners Fellow. He can be reached at +237 656969090 (Direct calls and WhatsApp) and sonebayen@gmail.com

Issa Tchiroma Bakary is Cameroon Concord Person of the Year

30, December 2025

Issa Tchiroma Bakary is Cameroon Concord Person of the Year 0

For forty-two years, the people of Cameroon have been fed stories that political change was an illusion. Many political commentators opined that the Unity Palace was fixed in place and the country resigned to its fate. Then came a man Issa Tchiroma in the October 12, 2025 presidential election and the whole narrative changed forever.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary (to use his three names) stepped out of a system he once served to confront the very power structure that made him.  Tchiroma organized a campaign that became an unexpected rallying point for the entire nation with sell-out crowds, igniting debates, and awakening a people long numbed by routine elections with predictable outcomes.

Tchiroma, a long standing cabinet minister under Biya, broke with the governing body to run as a leading candidate, energizing Cameroonians with promises of change after decades of entrenched rule by the ruling CPDM crime syndicate.

The Tchiroma campaign drew large crowds and the former Biya acolyte stated that the will of the Cameroonian people was on his side.

On October 14, less than 48 hours after polls closed, Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the presidential election and urged President Biya to concede defeat and honour the truth of the ballot box.

Tchiroma’s majority following mobilized in all the nooks and crannies of the country following his electoral victory, with protests and demonstrations pressing for recognition of what they said was a great win for the Northern Cameroon political elite. These demonstrations underlined both the deep dissatisfaction among many Cameroonians and the intensity of political tensions.

However, officially and according to the Constitutional Council — the only body authorized to proclaim election results in Biya’s Cameroon —92-year-old President Biya was declared the winner, securing approximately 53.66 % of the vote as concocted by the ruling crime syndicate, compared with 35.19 % for Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Biya’s so-called victory guaranteed his continued stay in power and extended his decades-long rule.

The opposition rejected the Constitutional Council’s outcome with its leader Issa Tchiroma asserting that state institutions manipulated the results to deny him victory. From his base in Garoua, Tchiroma pressed his supporters and political allies to resist what he described as an illegitimate outcome and he framed his challenge as part of a broader struggle for democratic accountability in Cameroon.

There are moments in a nation’s life when the truth does not wait for official stamps or ceremonial announcements. Issa Tchiroma gave Cameroon that moment in October 2025.

Whether Cameroonians and their partners accept the Constitutional Council’s figures or Issa Tchiroma’s own declaration, one fact is undeniable: Tchiroma achieved what no challenger had managed in decades- he shattered the aura of inevitability that surrounded Biya’s 42-year rule.

Cameroon Concord Group readers in their thousands watched Tchiroma when he declared victory — whether or not the corrupt security and judicial establishments endorsed it — Tchiroma accomplished something historic: he forced the Cameroonian nation to imagine the end of the nasty Biya era. He destroyed the psychological monopoly of one man, one party and one narrative. He made the possibility of transition feel real, tangible and of course reachable.

In that sense, Issa Tchiroma Bakary defeated not just a corrupt, vicious and malicious political figure but a paralysis of hope.

The so called official results may have returned Biya to office. But the story Cameroonians will always remember is not simply about numbers; it is about a perfectly bilingual Cameroonian who stood against a decades-old machine and convinced a nation that change could be claimed, spoken aloud and above all demanded.

Cameroon Concord News People have voted!! Issa Tchiroma Bakary, you are the Cameroon Concord News Person of the Year!!

Your stolen victory will forever remain symbolic, moral and political because you successfully made Cameroonians to believe again. And once a people begin to believe, no regime, no matter how entrenched, sleeps comfortably.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Chairman/Editor-In-Chief

Cameroon Concord News Group

Tributes as Joshua team members die in fatal crash

30, December 2025

Tributes as Joshua team members die in fatal crash 0

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 Ayodeledied 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.

    “He calls them his boys. They’re more than that. They are friends. They may have strict jobs, they might be his strength and conditioning coach, his personal trainer, his dietitian, his nutritionist, but they’re close and he loves that close circle.

    “Sina and Latz are massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.”

    Sina Ghami pictured in a busy boxing ring with boxers Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul at the end of their recent fight
    Image caption,Sina Ghami (left) alongside Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in the ring following their fight on 19 December

    Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr was among those to pay tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, calling them “genuinely good men”.

    The British middleweight said:, external “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both, they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”

    Joshua was in Nigeria after stopping American YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight bout in Miami earlier this month.

    Writing on X,, external Paul said: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

    Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams posted pictures with Joshua and Latif,, external adding: “Rest easy brother Abdul Latif, may the most high make it easy for your loved ones.”

    British bantamweight Shannon Courtenay said:, external “RIP Sina and Latz, two good guys. Last week we’re all having fun in Miami and today you’re gone, life really is too short. May the Lord look over their loved ones during this awful time.”

    Video from the scene showed Joshua being helped out from the back seat of a wrecked large car.

    Five adult men were involved in the crash in total, Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said.

    They added that Joshua and another man – the vehicle’s driver – were rescued by the boxer’s security team.

    The incident involved two vehicles, a black Lexus and a stationary red commercial truck, and took place on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway at around 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on Monday.

    The FRSC said the Lexus was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit”, based on preliminary findings.

    It said the car appeared to have “lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre” and crashed into the stationary truck by the side of the road.

    ‘Emotional impact of crash impossible to measure’

    Joshua had only just returned to the ring after more than a year out, beating Jake Paul on Netflix in what was a huge pay day, and he was in Nigeria simply to spend New Year with family when this tragedy struck.

    The plan had been for Joshua to fight again in Saudi Arabia in February before eventually moving towards the long-talked-about Tyson Fury bout later in 2026. But right now, those plans feel secondary.

    Joshua has lost two people close to him, friends first and foremost, including his long-time strength and conditioning coach Ghami, and the emotional impact of that is impossible to measure. Ghami was by his side throughout fight week in Miami, and joined him in the ring after his win over Paul.

    Whatever he decides to do next in the twilight of his career almost feels insignificant, with the boxing world united in hoping that one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters comes through this ordeal in good health.

    Source: BBC

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