Nigerian-British boxing icon Anthony Joshua remains under medical observation following a severe traffic collision in southwest Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close associates. The incident occurred Monday morning along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun town.
According to official statements from Matchroom Boxing and Nigerian authorities, Joshua’s Lexus SUV reportedly lost control during an overtaking maneuver and collided with a large truck. The Federal Road Safety Corps indicated preliminary investigations suggest speeding violations may have contributed to the accident, though eyewitness accounts contradict official reports regarding whether the truck was stationary at the moment of impact.
Visual evidence from the scene circulated widely on social media, depicting the former heavyweight champion shirtless amid shattered glass fragments within the vehicle’s interior. Emergency responders transported Joshua to a medical facility where physicians described his condition as stable despite the traumatic event.
The tragedy resulted in the immediate fatalities of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, identified as longstanding team members and personal friends of the athlete. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu publicly expressed solidarity with the boxer, confirming through social media that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was personally overseeing Joshua’s medical care at the hospital.
The boxing community worldwide has expressed condolences, with recent opponent Jake Paul emphasizing via social platform X that ‘life is much more important than boxing.’ This incident occurs during Nigeria’s peak holiday travel season when the nation’s infrastructure experiences heightened congestion from diaspora visitors returning home.
Local authorities have impounded both vehicles for further investigation while mourning families request privacy during this period of profound loss. Joshua, whose familial roots connect directly to the Sagamu region, frequently visits the area during his time in Nigeria.