LAGOS — British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua is in stable condition after being involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members, Nigerian authorities and his camp have confirmed. The shocking incident occurred late Monday morning on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of West Africa’s busiest road corridors.
The collision involved a Lexus SUV in which Joshua was traveling as a passenger. According to preliminary police reports, the vehicle lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, striking a stationary truck parked at the roadside. Two occupants of the SUV — strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif Ayodele — died at the scene, while Joshua and others were rushed to hospital.
Stable but Shaken
Joshua, 36, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, escaped with minor injuries and was taken to a medical facility in nearby Ogun State for evaluation and observation. A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments said medical professionals have deemed those hospitalized stable and not in need of emergency interventions at this time.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said Joshua is conscious and in communication with his family, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of his colleagues. The camp has asked for privacy as the boxer recovers physically and comes to terms with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Circumstances and Cause Under Investigation
Initial findings from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest the SUV was travelling at speeds beyond the legal limit and lost control while attempting an overtaking move. Eyewitness accounts further indicate that a tyre may have burst just before the vehicle collided with the truck, intensifying the impact.
The crash has renewed longstanding concerns over road safety in Nigeria, where traffic incidents remain a major public safety issue. Poor road conditions, lax enforcement of traffic regulations and high-speed driving combine to make highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway particularly dangerous. Specialists say that without systemic improvements, similar tragedies will continue to afflict road users.
Global Boxing Community Mourns
Tributes and expressions of concern have been pouring in from across the global boxing world. Rivals, former opponents and fans have taken to social media to send condolences and support. Among those offering their sympathies was Jake Paul, Joshua’s most recent opponent, who emphasised that “life is much more important than boxing” in reflecting on the tragic loss.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also reached out personally to Joshua and his family, offering prayers for recovery and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
A Personal Visit Abroad Turns Heart-Wrenching
Joshua, who holds both British and Nigerian nationality through his parents and spent part of his youth in the West African nation, had been in Nigeria visiting family and friends after a high-profile victory over Jake Paul earlier this month. The bout, held in Miami, was seen as a major milestone in his efforts to return to the top tier of the heavyweight division.
The focus now shifts to Joshua’s recovery and how this tragic episode may affect his future in the sport. With discussions already underway about a potential showdown with rival Tyson Fury in 2026, the boxing world is watching closely to see how the champion copes with both the physical and emotional aftermath of this devastating accident.
