Anthony Joshua Injured in Nigeria Car Crash That Killed Two Close Friends
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
OGUN STATE, Nigeria | Dec 29 (GeokHub) British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, authorities and his promoter said on Monday.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with another car on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, according to the Ogun State Police Command. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said five men were involved in the accident. Two people were killed, two escaped without injury, and Joshua was treated for minor injuries.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statement.
The promoter confirmed that Joshua was taken to hospital for medical checks and treatment and remains in stable condition under observation.
AUTHORITIES CITE SPEEDING, OVERTAKING
Preliminary findings by the FRSC suggest the vehicle was likely speeding when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and struck a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the agency said in a statement posted on X.
Officials have not disclosed who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
CONDOLENCES FROM NIGERIA AND BOXING WORLD
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims, describing the incident as a “tragic accident.”
American boxer and social media personality Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated by knockout in Miami earlier this month, also offered condolences, saying he was praying for those affected.
BACKGROUND
Joshua, born in Britain to British-Nigerian parents, attended boarding school in Ikenne, Nigeria, before returning to the UK at age 12.
The accident occurred just over a week after Joshua’s sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul, marking his return to the ring after a 15-month layoff. He is expected to face longtime rival Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout in 2026.
Joshua could not immediately be reached for comment.
