Anthony Joshua Injured in Nigeria Road Crash That Claims Lives of Two Team Members

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a serious road accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two members of his team.

The former world champion was travelling as a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, close to the commercial hub of Lagos.

Matchroom Boxing confirmed that the two men who lost their lives were Joshua’s close friends and long-time team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. In a statement, the promotional company said Joshua was taken to hospital for medical checks and treatment and remains in a stable condition under observation.

“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected,” the statement read. “We kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Matchroom chair Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, describing the victims as “two great men”. He added: “Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”

Authorities in Ogun and Lagos states confirmed that Joshua was conscious and stable following the crash and had been in contact with his family. Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he personally spoke with the 36-year-old boxer to express his condolences and wish him a full and speedy recovery.

“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” the president said in a post on X.

Earlier on the day of the accident, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram showing himself playing table tennis with Ayodele, who served as his personal trainer. Ghami, who had posted on social media from Lagos shortly before the crash, had worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade.

The collision occurred at around midday local time on Monday and involved a black Lexus and a stationary red commercial truck. According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was travelling above the legal speed limit and appeared to have lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the truck parked by the roadside.

Images released by the FRSC showed extensive damage to the vehicle, with a large crowd gathering at the scene. Local officials said Joshua and the driver were rescued by members of the boxer’s security team, while video footage showed him being assisted from the rear seat of the wrecked SUV.

State authorities confirmed that Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos for treatment.

The Lagos–Ibadan expressway is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads, particularly during the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly due to returning visitors.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has strong family ties to Sagamu in Ogun State, close to where the crash occurred. He had been in Nigeria following his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

Paul reacted to the incident on X, writing: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Local police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that a full investigation into the crash has been ordered.

A relative of Joshua in Nigeria described the news as a “shock” to the family, adding that they were praying for his recovery while mourning those who lost their lives. The family had been expecting the boxer to join them in Sagamu for New Year celebrations.

Joshua’s family is well known in the town, where their roots stretch back several generations. Plans are also in place for a new indoor boxing venue to be built in Ogun State in his honour, reflecting his role as a sports ambassador in the region.