Two of Anthony Joshua’s close friends were killed in a horrific, high-speed road accident involving the British former world heavyweight boxing champion in Nigeria, just a week after he knocked out American social media star Jake Paul in the sixth round of a bout in Miami.
Joshua received minor injuries and is reported to be in stable condition after being hospitalised.
His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, said in a statement that Joshua’s friends and team members who passed away in the accident were Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The Matchroom boxing statement on Monday night read: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
“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 and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to the hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims, calling the incident “an immense tragedy that casts a deep shadow on this season”.
The accident took place in Nigeria’s Ogun State on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to Ogun State Police Command, the car (a black Lexus) in which Joshua was travelling collided with a parked truck. The cause of the accident was being investigated, and the police did not disclose if Joshua, or someone else, was one of the drivers involved.
Speeding suspected in Anthony Joshua crash
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was likely speeding when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into the stationary truck.
The FRSC statement said: “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to confirm a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today Monday, 29 December 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck.”
The crash occurred at around noon, and the FRSC said its operatives reached the scene within three minutes to evacuate the victims and start the rescue operations.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road,” FRSC added.
“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 36-year-old British-Nigerian Joshua was returning to the ring after a 15-month layoff. He is expected to fight long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026.
Follow us on
