Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred around the Sinoma/Makun axis near Sagamu and claimed the lives of two foreign nationals travelling with the boxer.
Joshua, 36, was returning to Sagamu from Lagos with friends who had flown in from abroad when the accident happened. The incident occurred shortly after he posted a video on Instagram showing him playing table tennis.
Multiple sources told Vanguard that Joshua and his driver were rushed to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The accident has triggered widespread reactions across Nigeria and the global boxing community.
Close Associate and Long-Time Friend Among Victims
One of the foreign nationals who died was identified as Sina “Evolve” Ghami, a pioneering sports rehabilitation specialist and a long-time associate of Joshua.
Ghami was widely respected in elite sports circles for his work in high-performance rehabilitation. He was known for bridging clinical recovery with peak athletic performance.
A childhood friend of Joshua, Ghami served as his full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade. He played a critical role in the boxer’s career development.
Ghami was a constant presence in Joshua’s corner during several landmark fights. He was notably part of the team during Joshua’s historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.
Another victim, later identified as Kevin Latif Ayodele, was also described as a close friend and integral member of Joshua’s team.
FRSC Cites Speed and Wrongful Overtaking
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the crash and blamed excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
According to the FRSC, the black Lexus SUV conveying Joshua collided with a stationary red Sinotruk truck while attempting to overtake.
“Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were identified as the primary causes of the crash,” the Corps said.
The FRSC disclosed that five adult males were involved in the accident. Two people died instantly, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.
“Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” the FRSC confirmed.
The Corps said it would not release the identities of the deceased because they were not Nigerian citizens.
The statement was issued by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide.
He explained that FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of the report, enabling prompt rescue, evacuation, and traffic control.
“Joshua and the injured victim were evacuated by ambulance to a hospital towards the Lagos axis, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue in Sagamu,” Ogungbemide said.
Police And Eyewitness Accounts Emerge
The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the accident occurred around 11:00 am near Danco Filling Station, close to the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound section of the expressway.
He said Joshua, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical care.
“Tragically, two other passengers lost their lives at the scene,” Babaseyi said.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as terrifying.
A roadside hawker identified as Sibiat said the impact sounded like an explosion.
“We thought it was a bomb blast,” she said.
She added that Joshua complained of leg pain as he was pulled from the wreckage.
Condolences Pour in from Leaders and Boxers
President Bola Tinubu confirmed that he spoke with Joshua and his mother by phone.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed condolences and wished the boxer a speedy recovery.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates,” Tinubu said.
The President also confirmed speaking with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the hospital.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Joshua as “a symbol of strength and resilience” and prayed for his recovery.
British boxer Jake Paul also reacted, posting on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Tyson Fury, Joshua’s long-time rival, wrote on Instagram: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”
Governments Assure Care And Investigation
The Ogun and Lagos State governments described the incident as deeply unfortunate.
In a joint statement, both governments confirmed that Joshua and another passenger were stable and did not require emergency intervention.
“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family,” the statement said.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash have commenced.
Matchroom Boxing later confirmed the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele in an emotional statement.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team,” the promoters said.
As Joshua recovers, the tragedy has cast uncertainty over his immediate boxing future and renewed concerns about safety on Nigeria’s major highways.
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