Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was left "shocked" and unable to speak following a serious car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The Crash and Its Immediate Aftermath
The collision occurred on Monday 30 December 2025 at around midday local time on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State. Joshua, 36, was a passenger in the back of a black Lexus which, according to preliminary findings from the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was suspected of speeding and wrongful overtaking before losing control and crashing into a parked truck.
Eyewitness Ajala Yusuf Oluwaseyi described hearing a loud "boom" and seeing the car drive under the stationary truck. He told Sky News that Joshua appeared deeply traumatised in the aftermath. "He was shocked with the deadliness of the incident," Oluwaseyi said. "He was shocked, he couldn't talk."
The boxer sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital alongside another injured person, where officials confirmed he was in a "stable" condition and "receiving appropriate medical attention". Tragically, the two other passengers in the vehicle, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both aged 36, died at the scene.
Tributes to the Victims and Support from the Boxing World
In a statement, Joshua's spokesperson said Mr Ghami and Mr Ayodele "were close friends and integral members of Anthony's team." One of Ayodele's best friends, Mustafa Briggs, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as "one of the most pure-hearted" people and an inspirational figure who always put his faith first.
The boxing community rallied in support. Joshua's long-time rival Tyson Fury offered condolences on Instagram, while former opponent Wladimir Klitschko said he was "deeply saddened" and wished Joshua and his loved ones well. Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan also wished Joshua a speedy recovery and expressed his sadness at the loss.
Investigation and Official Response
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. The FRSC stated that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary suspected causes, constituting serious traffic violations common on Nigerian highways. Social media footage showed Joshua being helped from the wreckage and later travelling in an emergency vehicle.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed he had spoken personally with Joshua to convey his condolences. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him," the President posted on X. The accident happened while Joshua was on holiday in Africa following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami just over a week earlier.
