Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital after a serious road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members. The incident occurred on Monday morning along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major highway linking Nigeria’s commercial hub to the southwest of the country. The crash has shocked fans across the world and sparked widespread discussion about road safety, loss, and the fragile line between public success and personal tragedy.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that the British boxer of Nigerian heritage was involved in the accident and is currently receiving medical care. According to the statement, Joshua was taken to hospital for checks and treatment and remains under observation. The promoter also confirmed the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, describing them as Joshua’s close friends and team members.
“He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation,” the statement read.
“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.”
Images circulating online shortly after the crash showed Joshua shirtless inside a badly damaged vehicle, with broken glass scattered across the seats around him. Nigerian police in Ogun State, where the accident occurred, stated that investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
The accident took place at around 11:00 am local time in the town of Makun, an area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that experiences heavy traffic, especially during December. Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, draws large numbers of visitors from across the country and the diaspora during the festive season, adding pressure to already congested roads.
What caused the Anthony Joshua car accident in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary findings suggest that the Lexus Joshua was travelling in may have been exceeding the legally prescribed speed limit. According to the agency, the vehicle lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck by the side of the road. The FRSC added that the car was later towed to a police station in nearby Sagamu as part of the investigation.
However, not all accounts align with this version of events. A witness who identified himself as Kunle disputed the claim that the truck was stationary at the time of impact.
“The truck was not stationary when the accident happened,” he said.
“People rushed to help without even knowing those inside the car. It was when we got there we realised it was Anthony Joshua that’s inside.”
Photos released by the FRSC showed a completely wrecked black SUV and what appeared to be blood on the road. Later that evening, an AFP reporter at the scene observed an 18-wheeler truck being towed away from the highway, believed to be the same vehicle involved in the collision.
Police confirmed that the two victims died at the scene. The loss of Ghami and Ayodele has deeply affected the boxing community, as both men were closely involved in Joshua’s career and personal life. Joshua’s family has long-standing roots in southwestern Nigeria, and he is known to visit the region whenever he is in the country.
How have leaders and the boxing world responded to the crash?
Tributes and messages of support poured in from political leaders, athletes, and fans following news of the accident. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged Joshua’s influence as both a sports figure and a symbol of national pride.
Sharing a photo of himself with Joshua, the president wrote: “As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country.”
President Tinubu later said on X that he had spoken directly with Joshua and his mother. He added that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was present at the hospital and had assured him that Joshua would receive the best possible medical care.
The incident also prompted reflection from fellow athletes. Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated earlier this month in a high-profile Netflix-backed bout in Miami, offered a message that resonated widely.
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” Paul said on X.
The timing of the crash adds another layer of gravity to the situation. Joshua had recently returned to form with a knockout victory over Paul, following a difficult period that included a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year. The former Olympic champion has also been linked with a potential future fight against fellow Briton and former world champion Tyson Fury.
For now, competition and future bouts have taken a back seat. The focus remains on Joshua’s recovery and honoring the memory of the two men who lost their lives. The tragedy has served as a stark reminder that even global sports icons are not immune to sudden loss, and that behind every public victory lies a personal world vulnerable to unexpected change.
As investigations continue, fans across Africa and beyond are watching closely, united in grief and hope for Joshua’s full recovery while mourning the lives cut short on one of Nigeria’s busiest roads.
By Lucky Anyanje
