Anthony Joshua Injured in Nigeria Car Crash That Killed Two Friends, President Confirms
LAGOS, Nigeria — British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash on Monday that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed in a social media statement. The accident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major artery connecting Nigeria’s commercial capital to the southwestern region, at approximately 11 a.m. local time.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lexus SUV transporting Joshua was traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking maneuver and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. The crash resulted in the deaths of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, two close associates of Joshua, while the boxer sustained minor injuries and was promptly hospitalized.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences directly to Joshua, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.”
Medical officials from both Lagos and Ogun states, where the crash occurred, released a joint statement affirming that Joshua was “stable” following thorough clinical evaluations and did not require emergency medical intervention. The statement noted that another injured passenger was also stable and receiving care.
Video footage and photographs from the scene show Joshua being extricated from the damaged vehicle, visibly shaken but conscious. Nigerian police confirmed that the boxer was seated in the rear of the SUV at the time of the collision.
The Nigeria Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on the vehicle’s speed and the conditions leading to the loss of control. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, prompting ongoing safety campaigns by Nigerian authorities.
Joshua, a former unified world heavyweight champion and one of Britain’s most prominent athletes, has a strong following both in Nigeria and internationally. His connection to Nigeria is well-documented, with family roots in the country and frequent visits. The news of the accident has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes worldwide.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has also been monitoring the situation to ensure that medical facilities are equipped to handle any complications arising from the incident. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on the expressway, especially during the busy holiday season.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting Joshua’s recovery and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives. The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where traffic accidents remain a leading cause of injury and death despite government efforts to improve conditions.
Joshua’s management team has not released an official statement yet, but sources close to the boxer say he is expected to make a full recovery and will take time off from training to recuperate. The sporting world awaits further updates on his condition and the impact of this heartbreaking event.
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