Anthony Joshua was involved in a horrific car crash in Nigeria that killed two people he was travelling with and police have given an update on what they believe caused the incident
Police reportedly suspect that a tyre blowout “due to excessive speed” was the cause of Monday’s horror car crash in Nigeria involving Anthony Joshua.
Reports suggest that the former two-time unified heavyweight champion was in a black Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary Sinotruck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria. The 36-year-old sustained ‘minor’ injuries in the accident, which tragically claimed the lives of two other individuals.
The two people killed in the crash have been identified as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both close friends of Joshua. AJ is currently stable in hospital, where he was taken for “checks and treatment” and remains under observation.
Initially, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria suggested that the Jeep may have been speeding and crashed while trying to overtake.
However, Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, from Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, has now revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the black Lexus Jeep was travelling on the motorway from Lagos to Sagamu when it “experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed” and subsequently “lost control.”
AJ was seated in the back of the Lexus, and post-crash footage circulating online shows the 36-year-old shirtless and appearing somewhat disoriented, sitting in the vehicle next to broken glass.
Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reached out to Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya. Tinubu revealed that the boxer has confirmed to him that he was getting the best treatment at the hospital.
The Nigerian leader offered his sympathies regarding the deaths of Joshua’s friends, whilst also keeping Odusanya in his prayers.
The president said: “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. 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.”
Tinubu had previously issued a statement on X. It declared: “AJ, 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. 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. 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. 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.”
Joshua’s longstanding promoter Eddie Hearn was amongst the first to pay his respects to the two men who tragically lost their lives in the collision. He wrote in an Instagram post: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Chris Eubank Jr also offered his condolences through a heartfelt message, stating: “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz and Sina and their families. I knew both…they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”