Anthony Joshua’s deep ties to Nigeria have always been evident, but this week, the country became the backdrop for a frightening moment in the former heavyweight champion’s life.
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. Inside the ring, the Union Jack 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 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 circulating on social media shows 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.”
Anthony Joshua has been spending time in Nigeria following his sixth-round 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.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, attention has shifted to the lives lost in the incident.
