Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been involved in a serious traffic accident while traveling in Nigeria, resulting in two fatalities. The incident occurred on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan expressway near Lagos at approximately 12:00 local time on Monday.
According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the collision involved Joshua’s black Lexus SUV and a stationary commercial truck. Preliminary investigation indicates the Lexus was likely exceeding legal speed limits when it lost control during an overtaking maneuver, crashing into the parked vehicle. Photographic evidence from the scene depicts the 36-year-old boxer being assisted from the damaged vehicle amidst shattered glass debris.
Of the five adults involved in the accident, two tragically lost their lives while two others emerged unharmed. Joshua was transported to a medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries. The British-Nigerian boxer had been visiting his ancestral homeland of Ogun state following his recent victory over American social media personality Jake Paul in Miami on December 19th.
Local authorities, including Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Lagos-Ibadan corridor is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most perilous roadways, particularly during the festive season when numerous diaspora Nigerians return home for celebrations.
Joshua, who serves as a sports ambassador for Ogun state, was en route to join family members in Sagamu for New Year festivities when the accident occurred. His relatives expressed profound shock at the news while extending prayers for both Joshua’s recovery and the families of the deceased victims. The boxer’s family maintains deep roots in the region, with plans underway to construct an indoor boxing facility named in his honor.