BREAKING: British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua escapes fatal accident in Nigeria, 2 others dead

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries in a car crash along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Incident

Joshua was travelling in the back seat of a Lexus SUV with four others. The vehicle collided with a stationary truck transporting soybeans, suspected to have broken down. Federal Road Safety Corps officials say the SUV was likely speeding and overtaking when it hit the truck. Two men (foreign nationals) died, two passengers escaped unhurt, and Joshua was rescued after nearly 10 minutes inside the vehicle.

Aftermath

• Images show severe damage to the lorry and SUV.


• Footage circulating online shows Joshua grimacing in pain as bystanders and security personnel helped him out of the wreckage.


• Ogun State officials confirmed Joshua and the driver were rescued by his security detail.

Reactions

Jake Paul, who lost to Joshua earlier this month, posted:

“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said Matchroom Boxing is attempting to contact him and will update once more information is available.

A relative described the crash as a “shock” to the family, praying for Joshua’s recovery and the departed victims.

The Lagos–Ibadan expressway is notorious as one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads, especially busy during the festive season. Joshua, proud of his Nigerian heritage, was travelling to his family home in Sagamu, where he is a sports ambassador. The crash comes just days after his victory over Jake Paul in Miami, which earned him a reported £210m purse.

This incident highlights both the dangers of Nigeria’s busiest highway and Joshua’s deep ties to his homeland, where he remains a celebrated figure.