British heavyweight Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria road crash that killed two close associates
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash on Nigeria’s Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that killed two members of his team. Police said the vehicle hit a stationary truck. Joshua was hospitalised in stable condition as authorities launched an investigation.
- Joshua’s SUV hit a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway; five men were involved.
- Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were cited as possible causes.
- Videos posted on X show Joshua moving slowly in pain but with no visible injuries; he remains in stable condition in hospital.
NIGERIA: British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a road crash in Nigeria on Monday (29 Dec) morning that killed two of his close associates, according to police and his management team.
The incident occurred at about 11am on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary vehicle, Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said.
Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, and the driver sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
Deaths confirmed, tributes pour in
Joshua’s official spokesman confirmed the deaths of Sina Ghami and Kevin “Lateef” Ayodele, describing them as close friends and integral members of the boxer’s team.
Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer in his camp.
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute, calling them “two great men,” while Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he had spoken with Joshua to convey his condolences and wish him a speedy recovery.
Police and safety agencies investigating
Ogun State police said two passengers died at the scene and their bodies were taken to a hospital morgue in Sagamu.
Authorities said a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash has begun.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said five adult males were involved.
Preliminary findings suggested the vehicle may have been travelling above the speed limit and lost control while overtaking before crashing into a stationary truck.
The agency cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as suspected contributing factors.
Joshua in stable condition
Joshua, 36, was taken to hospital for checks and treatment and remains in a stable condition under observation, his team said.
Videos shared online showed him exiting the damaged vehicle and moving slowly into a police car, appearing to be in pain but without visible external injuries.
Joshua, the son of British-Nigerian parents, has family ties to Sagamu.
He had recently returned to the ring after a 15-month hiatus and was expected to fight fellow Briton Tyson Fury next year.
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