Anthony Joshua survives fatal road crash in Ogun

The Nigerian – British former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, on Monday, survived a fatal car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Makun area of Ogun State.

Daily Trust had reported that two persons died in the crash while the boxer reportedly sustained minor injuries.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, said the crash involving the Nigeria-British boxer was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking on the part of the driver.

Spokesperson of the command, Afolabi Odunsi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Daily Trust.

The statement read in part: “An auto crash occurred today, 29th December, 2025, involving two vehicles along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at SINOMA. The Sagamu Unit of the FRSC Rescue Team were at the scene as soon as they were informed. Five people were involved, one was injured, two were unhurt while two were killed in the crash.

“However, it was discovered that Anthony Joshua (international boxer) was involved but he only sustained injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital by the security officers attached to him.

“The bodies of the two killed had since been taken to the morgue. Obstructions have been cleared.

“The cause of the crash was due to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking by the driver who overtook from the right hand side thereby ramming into a stationary vehicle.”

Daily Trust further reports that Joshua, who was born in Watford, hails from Sagamu in Sagamu LGA of Ogun State.

It was gathered that Joshua was travelling from Lagos to his family home.

Famous boxer hospitalised In Lagos specialised facility

Meanwhile, the renowned world heavyweight boxing champion is currently receiving medical treatment at a specialised facility in Lagos.

This was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the governments of Lagos and Ogun States.

Giving an update in a joint statement signed by Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso and the Special Adviser to Ogun Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governments said a medical team had been assembled to take charge with a promise to monitor the team closely.

The statement added that Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this difficult loss.

“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos. Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.

“Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.

“The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.

“We appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and kindly request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time,” it read.

We hope for his recovery – Joshua’s family

The family of former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion has expressed shock after the British-Nigerian boxer was involved in the fatal car crash.

A relative, who asked not to be named, said, “We are hoping for his speedy recovery, and also the people who passed away, I pray for the departed to rest in peace.”

The relative, while speaking to the BBC, said, “He’s normally coming around for the new year. We hadn’t seen him, so we were expecting him.”

Tinubu in phone conversation with boxer after accident

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spoken with Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British former heavyweight boxing champion, on phone following the tragic accident in Ogun State in which Joshua was injured and lost two of his associates.

This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday.

Onanuga quoted the President as saying that “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.

“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

Earlier, in a post on X, President Tinubu—who is currently abroad—expressed sympathy for the boxer over the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The president conveyed his condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims, describing the development as a tragic loss.

“I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” he said.

Tinubu added that the incident had cast a shadow over the season, noting the emotional burden it placed on the boxer and his family.

“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident,” Tinubu stated.

The President also praised Joshua’s contributions to sports and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage.

“As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” he said.

Calling for unity and support in difficult times, Tinubu prayed for strength and healing for the boxer.

“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny. I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed,” he added.

Life more important than boxing – Jake Paul

Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer who lost to Anthony Joshua on December 19, in his reaction to the news, said that ‘Life is much more important than boxing’.

“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” the 28-year-old reacted on X.

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