By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & James Ogunnaike
FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death in a ghastly road accident that occurred around the Sinoma/Makun axis, near Sagamu, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
However, two foreign nationals, whose identities were withheld, lost their lives in the crash.
The incident occurred while the 36-year-old boxer and his friends, who had travelled with him from abroad, were returning to Shagamu from Lagos, shortly after Joshua posted on his Instagram page, where he was seen playing table tennis.
Multiple sources told Vanguard that the former two-time unified WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight champion and his driver, are undergoing treatment at Duchess international Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.
It was also gathered that a pioneering sports rehabilitation specialist and long-time friend of former two-time heavyweight world champion, Sina ‘Evolve’ Ghami was one of the foreign nationals involved in the crash.
Ghami, who was a transformative figure in high-performance rehabilitation, was renowned for bridging the gap between clinical recovery and peak athletic output.
A childhood friend of the boxer, Ghami served as Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for more than a decade, playing a critical role in the boxer’s career.
He was a key presence in Joshua’s corner during several landmark bouts, most notably the historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium — a defining moment in modern heavyweight boxing.
Excessive speed, wrongful overtaking responsible for crash — FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed that Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two other occupants of the vehicle died on the spot.
One person, according to the FRSC, was injured, while two others survived unhurt.
Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua was allegedly travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control while attempting to overtake, before crashing into a stationary truck.
“Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were identified as the primary causes of the crash,” the FRSC said.
The Corps, however, insisted that it would not disclose the identities of the deceased because they were not Nigerians.
The Corps, in a statement by its Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, said: “The incident involved a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red commercial Sinotruk. A total of five adult males were involved. Two people sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.
Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”
Ogungbemide, an Assistant Corps Marshal, explained that the crash was promptly reported, with FRSC operatives arriving at the scene within three minutes, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.
Ogungbemide said: “Joshua and the injured victim were evacuated by ambulance to a hospital towards the Lagos axis, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka in Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division was notified for further investigation.”
Also confirming the accident, the Ogun Police Command said the accident occurred at about 11:00 am, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis of the expressway.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, also confirmed that Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the Lexus SUV, sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical attention.
Babaseyi said: “Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.”
We thought it was a bomb blast — Eyewitnesses
A roadside hawker, who claimed to have witnessed the crash, described the incident as terrifying, saying the impact was initially mistaken for an explosion.
The eyewitness, who identified herself as Sibiat, said: “The bang from the impact jolted everyone. At first, we thought it was another bomb blast. When we realised it was an accident, people rushed down. Some people started videoing the scene, while others opened the doors to see if they could rescue anyone.”
In addition, she said: “One of the men who survived shouted that we should help the people in the next car, saying one of them was Anthony Joshua. Some people didn’t even know who he was until a man who stopped by said they were from the same Shagamu.”
According to the eyewitness, the two victims died instantly, while Joshua complained of pain in his leg as he was being rescued from the wreckage.
We pray for his recovery — Joshua’s family
The family of the former world heavyweight boxing champion, who also confirmed the incident, expressed shock over the development.
A relative of Anthony Joshua, who requested anonymity, told the BBC that: “The news of the crash came to the family as a shock. We are hoping for his speedy recovery. For those who have passed away, we pray that their souls rest in peace.
“He normally comes around for the New Year. We hadn’t seen him yet, so we were expecting him.”
Jake Paul goes spiritual, prays for boxer
Jake Paul has revealed he is ‘praying’ for former rival Anthony Joshua after the heavyweight boxer’s horrific car crash.
Paul and Joshua shared the ring just 10 days prior, in a blockbuster Netflix bout which saw the influence-turned-boxer suffer a knockout defeat in the sixth round.
There appeared to be no bad blood between the two camps after the fight and Paul showed that again as he spoke on Joshua’s car crash, just hours after it happened.
Taking to X, he wrote: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
I spoke on phone with Anthony Joshua, mom —Tinubu
Following the tragic accident, President Bola Tinubu said he had a telephone cnoveration with Anthony Joshua and his mother.
The phone conversation was made public via a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement quoted Tinubu as saying: “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.”
It’s an unfortunate incident —Tinubu
Earlier, President Tinubu has sympathised with the former heavy weight boxing champion on the tragic accident along Lagos-Ibaday Expressway which claimed two lives.
President Tinubu, in a post in his official X account, said the road accident cast a deep shadow on the season.
The President also extended his sympathy to the family of Anthony Joshua as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident.
Tinubu wrote: “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.”
Incident deeply unfortunate— Ogun, Lagos govts
The Ogun and Lagos state governments, yesterday, said they have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, just as they described it as unfortunate.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun State, Special Adviser on Information, Kayode Akinmade, in a joint statement, said: “The vehicle conveying the team of four ran into a stationery truck resulting in two fatalities.
“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time.
“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.
“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time.
“A comprehensive medical team has since been convened and will continue to monitor them closely.
“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family.
“The governments of Ogun and Lagos are keenly monitoring the situation and will ensure that the two persons receive the best medical care.
“We have also commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and ask for privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family during this time.”
I wish him swift recovery —Atiku
On his part, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who expressed shock, said Anthony remains a symbol of strength and resilience.
Atiku, who took to his X handle, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the road accident involving Anthony Joshua in Makun, Ogun State. I stand in full solidarity with him during this difficult moment and pray for his swift and complete recovery. Anthony remains a symbol of strength and resilience, and I have no doubt he will come through this with grace.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find comfort and strength in this time of sorrow.”
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