British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a fatal road accident in south-west Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close members of his team.
The former world champion was travelling as a passenger when the vehicle he was in collided with a stationary commercial truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos.
Those killed in the crash were identified as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-time friends and key figures in Joshua’s professional team, according to a statement from his promoter, Matchroom Boxing.
Joshua was rushed to a medical facility in Lagos where he is receiving treatment. His condition was described as stable, and he remains under observation.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected,” Matchroom said, appealing for privacy during the difficult period.
Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as “two great men” whose loss is deeply felt across the boxing world.
Veteran boxing analyst Steve Bunce said both men were among Joshua’s closest companions, noting that Ayodele served as his personal trainer while Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach.
“They were always with him. They were essential to everything Anthony Joshua did,” Bunce said.
Just hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on social media showing himself and Ayodele playing table tennis, while Ghami had recently posted content from Lagos.
A joint statement from the Ogun and Lagos state governments confirmed that Joshua was conscious, stable, and had already contacted family members following the incident.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he personally spoke with the 36-year-old boxer to express his condolences and wish him a speedy recovery.
“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” the president wrote in a post.
The crash occurred around midday on Monday and involved a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red truck parked along the expressway.
Preliminary findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest the vehicle may have been travelling above the speed limit and lost control while overtaking before slamming into the truck.
Images from the scene showed the severely damaged SUV surrounded by onlookers, while video footage captured Joshua being assisted from the rear seat of the wrecked vehicle.
Officials said Joshua and the driver were rescued by members of his security detail and immediately evacuated to a specialised hospital in Lagos.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is notorious for fatal accidents, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume surges.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, England, has strong family ties to Sagamu, a town in Ogun State near the crash site. He had been visiting Nigeria following his recent boxing victory over Jake Paul on 19 December.
Paul reacted to the news by saying that life was more important than boxing and offered prayers for Joshua and the families of those who died.
Local police have launched a full investigation into the crash.
A family member of Joshua, speaking anonymously, said the incident came as a shock and confirmed the boxer had been travelling from Lagos to Ogun to join relatives for New Year celebrations.
Joshua’s family has deep roots in Sagamu, where plans are underway to build an indoor boxing arena named in his honour, reflecting his role as a sports ambassador for the state.