Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua faced a harrowing moment that almost cost him his life as he and 4 others were involved in a car crash that ended the lives of two of his counterparts.
Joshua’s deep ties to Nigeria have always been evident. Born in Watford, England, Anthony Joshua has never shied away from his Nigerian roots. His family traces its lineage to Sagamu in Ogun State, where the Joshua name has carried weight for generations. One of the clearest symbols of that pride sits permanently on his body, a tattoo of the African continent on his right shoulder, with Nigeria clearly outlined.
Inside the ring, he often shares space with the Nigerian flag, a tradition Joshua has maintained throughout his career, including after his recent win over Jake Paul.
On Monday morning, that same Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that links Ogun State to Lagos became the scene of a tragic accident involving Anthony Joshua. The Lexus SUV conveying the British boxing star collided with a stationary truck near the Sagamu Interchange in Makun, Ogun State.
“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in a road traffic accident today at about 11am,” the Ogun State Police Command said in an official statement. “He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention.”
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was travelling above the speed limit and lost control while overtaking before crashing into the parked truck. Five adult males were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Tragically, two passengers, Anthony Joshua’s closest friends and his coaches, Latz and Sina, lost their lives at the scene.
“Two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives on the spot,” the police statement confirmed. “The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation has commenced.”
Footage on social media showed Anthony Joshua visibly shaken and wincing in pain as onlookers helped him out of the wreckage. Police confirmed he remained conscious and was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. Two other occupants reportedly escaped unhurt.
A relative of Joshua described the news as devastating.
“The news came as a shock to the family,” the relative said. “We are hoping for his speedy recovery, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace.”
An eyewitness disclosed that the FRSC NIGERIA arrived early at the scene of the accident but had to come on foot due to the build up of wreckage on the road.
Anthony Joshua has been spending time in Nigeria following his knockout victory over Jake Paul earlier this month, a bout that marked his return after a lengthy layoff.
Beyond boxing, Ogun State has named him a sports ambassador, with plans already underway to build an indoor boxing arena in his honor. Following the accident President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims on X.
“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.”
The president revealed he had been in a telephone conversation with Joshua’s family and he also spoke with Governor Dapo Abiodun who reassured the president that the boxer would get the best treatment.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, attention has shifted to the lives lost in the incident and we at theJour offer our condolences to the families of the bereaved.
