Anthony Joshua Injured in Devastating Car Accident in Nigeria

British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The former world titleholder was traveling when his vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on a major highway close to Lagos.

Images from the scene depicted the 36-year-old boxer being assisted out of the rear seat of a black SUV, amidst shattered glass and debris. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), five men were involved in the incident, with two fatalities reported, while two others emerged unscathed. Joshua was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The collision occurred around noon local time (11:00 GMT) on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The wreck involved a black Lexus and a parked red commercial truck. Preliminary findings from the FRSC suggested that the Lexus was likely exceeding the legal speed limit at the time of the accident.

The report indicated that the vehicle may have lost control while attempting to overtake another car, subsequently crashing into the stationary truck positioned along the roadway. Photographs released by the FRSC revealed a mangled vehicle at the crash site, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.

The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is notorious as one of Nigeria’s most perilous routes, particularly congested during this season as many citizens abroad return home for the holidays. Joshua, who hails from Watford, has familial ties to Sagamu, a town in Ogun state, which is located near the site of the accident.

After recently defeating American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19, Joshua had been visiting Nigeria. Just hours prior to the crash, he shared a video on Instagram of himself playing table tennis with another individual, though the exact timing and location of the video remain uncertain.

Local police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo announced that an investigation into the incident had been initiated. A relative of Joshua, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed to local media that the news of the accident came as a profound shock to the family, who are praying for his swift recovery while also mourning the loss of those who perished.

This family member confirmed that Joshua was en route from Lagos to Ogun state at the time of the collision, and his relatives had been eagerly anticipating his arrival in Sagamu for New Year celebrations. The boxer’s family is well-established in the community, with deep ancestral roots tracing back several generations.

Plans are underway to establish a new indoor boxing facility named in honor of Joshua in Ogun state, where he serves as a sports ambassador.