Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition in hospital following a serious road traffic collision in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Details of the Collision
The accident occurred on Monday 30 December 2025 at approximately midday local time (11am UK time) on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu in Ogun State. The area is roughly 30 miles from Lagos, Nigeria's largest city.
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 travelling over the speed limit. The vehicle is said to have lost control while overtaking before colliding with a parked red Sinotruck on the side of the busy highway.
The FRSC stated that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, the suspected primary causes, are among the leading factors for fatal crashes on Nigerian roads.
Tributes to Friends Lost
Tragically, two other passengers in the Lexus, both aged 36, died at the scene. They have been named as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
In a statement, Joshua's spokesperson described the men as "close friends and integral members of Anthony's team". Mustafa Briggs, a best friend of Latif Ayodele, paid a moving tribute, telling Sky News he was "one of the most pure hearted" people.
"Everybody who knew him loved him," Briggs said. "He was somebody who always put his faith first... Everybody will always remember him smiling, laughing, being cheerful, and being an inspirational person." He also said Mr Ghami, whom he met through Ayodele, seemed like an "amazing person".
Joshua's Condition and Reaction
Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash. He and another injured person were taken to hospital for treatment. Officials have confirmed he remains in a "stable" condition and is "receiving appropriate medical attention".
Social media footage showed the British boxer being helped from the wreckage, apparently in pain, and later being transported in an emergency vehicle wearing only shorts.
The crash happened while Joshua was on holiday in Africa, shortly after his high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami just over a week ago. The fight ended a 15-month hiatus for Joshua, who is expected to face Tyson Fury in 2026.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted on X that he had spoken with Joshua to offer his condolences. Tyson Fury, Joshua's long-time rival, said on Instagram: "This is so sad may god give them a good bed in heaven."
Support also came from former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who Joshua defeated in 2017, and Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan, who both offered their best wishes for a speedy recovery and condolences to the families of the deceased.
