British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a road traffic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday morning after the sport utility vehicle in which he was travelling collided with a stationary truck near Makun, Ogun State. The crash occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m., according to Nigerian road safety authorities.
Two members of Joshua’s entourage—strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Kevin “Lateef” Ayodele—were killed in the collision. A spokesperson for Joshua confirmed their deaths in a statement issued later that evening, describing the incident as “shocking and devastating” and requesting privacy for the families of the victims.
Nigerian officials said five men were involved in the crash. Joshua was seated behind the driver alongside another passenger, while his security team was travelling in a separate vehicle behind the SUV. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for assessment. Individuals close to the boxer suggested he may have suffered rib and knee injuries, though authorities played down the severity of his condition.
Preliminary findings by road safety officials indicate that the SUV may have been travelling above the legal speed limit and lost control while attempting to overtake, before striking a truck parked at the roadside. The damaged vehicle has been taken to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division for further examination, while arrangements are under way to tow the truck involved to aid the investigation.
Footage circulating on social media in the aftermath of the crash shows Joshua appearing disoriented inside the damaged vehicle, before later being seen speaking with officials inside an emergency response vehicle.
In a statement, the Ogun State Government described the incident as deeply tragic, expressing condolences to the families of those who died and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities said a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.
Joshua had travelled to Nigeria following a recent victory in the United States and was expected to remain in the country for a week. He is currently scheduled to return to the ring in February next year for a bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
