Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition in hospital on Monday after being involved in a car accident in Nigeria. The accident killed two people who were close friends and team members, said Joshua’s promoter.
Anthony is a two-time world heavyweight champion from Britain, and Nigeria is the country of his parents. Joshua briefly attended boarding school in Nigeria at the age of 11. He returned there for the first time in 17 years in 2019, before fighting Andy Ruiz Jr.
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What You Need To Know About Car Crashes In Nigeria (PHOTOS)
The car accident happened on the Nigeria-Lagos-Ibadan Expressway connecting Ogun state with Lagos. The incident happened around 11:00 local time. The Ogun State Police earlier said in a statement:
“The vehicle carrying Mr. Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in an accident under circumstances that are currently under investigation. Joshua, who was sitting in the back of the vehicle, received minor injuries and is receiving medical attention along with another injured person.”
Olusegun Ogungbemide, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has already shared the findings of the initial investigation. According to Ogungbemide, the car was there “It went over the speed limit in the corridor, lost control when it overturned and hit a stationary truck,” which was on the side of the road.
The Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the accident in an X report, adding that the government sent ambulances to the scene of the accident.
How is Anthony Joshua?
Matchroom Boxing he said to X that Anthony Joshua “He sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to the hospital for examination and treatment.” In addition, Joshua will stay there to be watched. As mentioned, he is in stable condition.
President of Nigeria, Bola Tinabucalled Joshua at the hospital. The president said about X, “I spoke to AJ on the phone to express my grief over the deaths of two of his friends…I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he was getting the best care possible. I also spoke to his mother and prayed for her. She was very grateful for the call.”
No further details were given on Joshua’s condition. Meanwhile, Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, told AP: “Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries.”
An update on Anthony Joshua.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of Sina and Latz. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SqqKqnvZTL
– Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 29, 2025
Pictures on social media showed Anthony Joshua being pulled out of the wrecked car as he waved in pain.
BREAKING: Heavyweight legend Anthony Joshua survived a serious car accident today in Makun, Ogun State, Nigeria. Onlookers said the accident happened on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which reportedly left two people dead and Joshua slightly injured. Pray 🙏 pic.twitter.com/UGaVuHPhFl
— Kish❄️ (@Kishozzy) December 29, 2025
More Details About Anthony Joshua’s Friends Who Died
Also, the Ogun state government said that “Initial reports indicate that two foreign men died on the spot.” In X, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing identified the two riders who died as Sina Ghami again Latif Ayodelecalling Anthony’s close friends and crew. According to AP, Ghami was Joshua’s strength coach and Ayodele was his trainer. A few hours before the accident, Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media of them playing table tennis together. Latif’s fundraiser has raised more than $180,000 since the accident.
Jake Paul, Anthony’s New Boxer, Speaks Out
Anthony Joshua defeated boxer-turned-YouTuber Jake Paul on Dec. 19 in the battle in Miami. Joshua was using this match to regain strength in the ring after losing the heavyweight world title in 2021 to Oleksandr Usyk. Paul responded to the car accident on Monday, saying: “Life is more important than boxing.
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Associated Press writer Ope Adetayo and AP Sports writer Steve Douglas contributed to this report for the AP Newsroom.
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