Patryk Stachowiak
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has sustained minor injuries following a serious car crash in Nigeria that tragically claimed two lives.
The incident occurred on Monday morning at around 11am local time on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, according to Nigerian police. Joshua was travelling in the rear seat of a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck along the northbound Ibadan corridor, close to the junction leading to Sagamu.
Ogun State police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were both injured and taken to hospital. While the boxer’s injuries were described as minor, two other occupants involved in the collision were pronounced dead at the scene.
“It’s still sketchy for us here,” Ogunlowo said. “We are trying to establish all the facts from the first responders. More details will be provided as updates come in.”
Police Confirm Fatalities as Investigation Begins
In a formal statement, the Ogun State Police Command said: “The vehicle conveying Mr Anthony Joshua was involved in a traffic accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Mr Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention.”
The statement added: “Tragically, two other passengers lost their lives at the scene. Their remains have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Footage shared by local media outlet Punch appeared to show Joshua seated in the back of the damaged vehicle following the crash. A separate video showed the former champion moving slowly as he entered a police vehicle, surrounded by emergency responders.
Road Safety Officials Cite Speed and Overtaking
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving notification. According to the agency, five adult males were involved in the incident.
“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt,” the FRSC said in a post on X. “Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”
Preliminary findings suggest the Lexus SUV was travelling above the legal speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before colliding with a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
“Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the agency added.
Joshua’s Strong Ties to Nigeria
Joshua, 36, is the son of British-Nigerian parents and has deep family roots in Sagamu, the town near where the crash occurred. He attended boarding school in Ikenne, around 50 miles from the scene, before returning to the UK at the age of 12.
Earlier on Monday, the boxer had shared an Instagram story showing himself playing table tennis, though no location was disclosed.
Source: Getty Images. Edited photo
Boxing World Reacts as Questions Remain
The crash comes just days after Joshua’s high-profile return to the ring. On 20 December, he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of a bout streamed live on Netflix, marking his comeback after a 15-month absence.
Joshua had been widely expected to face long-time rival Tyson Fury next year in a blockbuster all-British heavyweight clash. At the time of writing, his management team in the UK said they had been unable to reach him.
Jake Paul later posted a message of support on social media, writing: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Further updates are expected as Nigerian authorities continue their investigation into the crash.