Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was rushed to a hospital in Nigeria on Monday following a severe road accident that resulted in the tragic deaths of two of his close friends and team members, his promotion company confirmed.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The incident occurred around 11:00 am local time on Monday near Makun, along the heavily trafficked Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. This major highway connects Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria's primary commercial centre. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was suspected of exceeding the speed limit. The vehicle reportedly lost control while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside.
Photographs that quickly spread across social media platforms showed the 35-year-old boxer being helped from the wreckage of the vehicle, appearing to be in significant discomfort. The Ogun State Police verified that Joshua, who was seated in the back of the SUV, sustained minor injuries. He was transported for medical care along with another injured individual from the crash.
Condition of Joshua and Fatalities Confirmed
In an official statement, Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG confirmed Joshua's hospitalisation. "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," the statement read. The promoter's communication also carried heartbreaking news, identifying the two fatalities. "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away," the statement added.
A joint assessment from the Lagos and Ogun state governments indicated that medical evaluations showed both patients admitted after the collision were in stable condition and did not require emergency surgical intervention.
Reactions and Joshua's Connection to Nigeria
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu personally called Anthony Joshua to offer his condolences for the loss of his friends and to wish the boxer a swift and complete recovery. Joshua, whose parents hail from southwestern Nigeria, is a frequent visitor to the country and maintains deep ties to his heritage.
This tragic event comes shortly after Joshua's recent high-profile sporting achievement. Earlier this month, the two-time unified world champion secured a knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a major bout in Miami that was streamed on Netflix. Furthermore, discussions have been active regarding a potential blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury, tentatively slated for 2026.
The accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has once again highlighted road safety concerns in the region. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
