British boxing star Anthony Joshua is recovering in a Lagos hospital after surviving a serious car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
The incident occurred on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Makun, where a black Lexus carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. Joshua sat in the rear seat and survived alongside two other passengers. The crash killed Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both long-time figures in Joshua’s inner circle.
Doctors admitted Joshua to Duchess International Hospital, one of Nigeria’s leading private medical facilities. Medical sources have described his condition as stable, with only minor physical injuries. However, officials expect him to remain under observation through New Year’s Eve and possibly longer.
Shortly after news of the crash broke, a video of Joshua reflecting on life and mortality began circulating widely on social media. The clip, first published in May by BoxingKingMedia, was reshared by fellow heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who also expressed condolences.
In the video, Joshua spoke candidly about how quickly life passes and why material success holds limited meaning in the face of mortality. Many fans described the resurfaced clip as deeply moving, given the circumstances of the accident.
Inside Anthony Joshua's life in Nigeria: AJ's aristocratic Yoruba background, spell at boarding school learning harsh 'discipline' and how he gives back to the community after tragic car crash https://t.co/ngnGfJvuvB
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) December 31, 2025Family reaction and police findings
Joshua’s family learned of the crash only after reports began circulating publicly. His uncle, Adedamola, told local media that the news came as a profound shock.
He said the family had hoped to spend the festive season together, as Joshua typically visits Nigeria several times a year. Due to security and medical concerns, hospital staff have restricted access to the boxer.
Police investigations indicate that a tyre blowout caused the crash. Authorities believe the vehicle lost control while overtaking and was travelling above the 50 mph speed limit. Babatunde Akinbiyi, Commander of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, confirmed that excessive speed likely contributed to the accident.
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Local officials have described the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as one of the country’s most dangerous roads, with frequent high-speed accidents.
Nigeria’s president confirmed that Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, travelled immediately to Lagos after learning of the crash. While the boxer escaped serious injury, the emotional impact remains severe due to the loss of two trusted friends.
For now, attention remains on Joshua’s recovery, as fans and fellow athletes around the world continue to send messages of support during what many have described as one of the most difficult moments of his life.
