Anthony Joshua Injured, Two Friends Killed in Car Crash in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash near Lagos, Nigeria, that killed two of his friends and teammates. The accident, reportedly caused by a tire burst, occurred while Joshua was visiting his hometown of Samagu following his recent win over Jake Paul. The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where traffic accidents remain frequent.

Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxer and two-time world champion, was seriously involved in a car crash in Nigeria that injured him and tragically killed two of his friends and teammates. The incident has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Samagu, where residents expressed deep grief and disbelief over the news. Ademamola Joshua, the uncle of Anthony Joshua’s father, described the crash as “a great shock,” highlighting the strong bond between the boxer and his community. He said that Joshua has always been very close to the people in Samagu and freely interacted with them, making the accident especially upsetting.
The crash occurred on Monday near Lagos when Joshua’s vehicle collided with a stationary truck by the roadside. Eyewitnesses reported that a tire on the car had burst while traveling at high speed, leading to the fatal collision. Joshua, who had been in Nigeria following his knockout victory over American boxer and YouTube influencer Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami, was taken to a hospital where he remains under medical supervision in a stable condition, according to his promoter, Matchroom Boxing. The two deceased were close friends and teammates of Joshua, adding to the heartbreak felt by the local community.
Videos of the crash quickly spread on social media, allowing residents and followers to witness the devastating aftermath. Local resident Oluwatoyin Omoleye expressed sadness at the timing of the accident, noting that Joshua had been returning home to celebrate with the community, making the tragedy even more poignant.
The crash has also brought renewed attention to road safety concerns in Nigeria, where accidents are alarmingly frequent. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths from 9,570 road accidents in 2024, an increase of 340 fatalities compared to 2023. Experts point to several contributing factors, including poorly maintained roads, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, and reckless driving behavior, which together produce these high numbers of fatalities and injuries each year.
The accident involving Anthony Joshua underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures in Nigeria and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on the country’s highways. It has also sparked conversations across the nation about how to prevent similar tragedies in the future, especially involving high-profile figures whose presence draws significant attention. The community of Samagu continues to mourn the loss of Joshua’s friends while hoping for his full recovery.