British-Nigerian boxing heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a tragic and fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two of his close associates. Joshua sustained minor injuries and is currently recuperating in stable condition at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos. The incident, which occurred on a Monday, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the international boxing community.

The accident unfolded near Makun in Ogun State when a black Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, conveying Joshua and his team, collided with a stationary truck. The deceased were identified as Sina Ghami, 36, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach and a British citizen, and Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36 (also referred to as Latif Ayodele or Kevin Lateef Ayodele), a Nigerian-British citizen and his personal trainer. Both men tragically died at the scene, while other passengers in the Lexus miraculously escaped with their lives. Eyewitnesses reported it was a two-vehicle convoy, with Joshua travelling in the Lexus SUV.

Preliminary investigations by various agencies, including the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun State and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), point to a combination of factors. Reports indicate that the front tyre on the passenger side of the SUV burst, leading to a loss of control. Furthermore, TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi and police investigators confirmed that the vehicle was likely exceeding the 50mph speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre due to "excessive speed," causing it to swerve and ram into the parked truck.

The driver of Joshua's vehicle has since been discharged from the Duchess International Hospital after receiving treatment for injuries. He has provided a statement to security agencies and could face prosecution for reckless driving, following reports from the FRSC at the Sagamu interchange where the truck remains. Conversely, the driver of the stationary truck fled the scene immediately after the crash and has since been declared wanted by authorities. Lagos State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo has ordered a formal investigation into the accident, with the FRSC awaiting the outcome of a full technical inquiry to determine the exact cause.

Anthony Joshua is reportedly in a stable condition at the Duchess International Hospital, a luxury healthcare facility in Lagos, where he is expected to spend New Year's Eve under observation as a precautionary measure. However, his family has expressed significant concern over their inability to reach or visit him. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a "rude shock" and revealed the family learned of the tragedy through external calls. Despite being in contact with Joshua's parents, who are also in Nigeria, the family has not been permitted to visit him, understanding the need to protect his global status.

The tragic incident has elicited a wave of reactions from across various sectors. Matchroom Boxing, Joshua's promoters, confirmed the deaths with profound sadness, with chairman Eddie Hearn expressing his heaviest heart. Super Eagles players Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel conveyed their sorrow and shock, offering condolences to the bereaved families. Comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun (AY) initially made a social media post that many interpreted as blaming the government, but he later clarified that his comments were not to excuse recklessness but to highlight broader systemic issues like poor road conditions and weak enforcement, alongside individual responsibility.

Following the accident, notable figures have visited or monitored Joshua's condition. These include the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, and Nigerian governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State). The incident has also sparked calls for improved road safety measures. Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, termed it a "painful and sobering tragedy," while Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the federal government to establish well-equipped rest stations and a dedicated highway emergency rescue system to prevent similar occurrences. The Sagamu Youth Association also expressed their deep sadness.

The accident occurred just ten days after Anthony Joshua had secured an impressive sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, adding another layer of somber contrast to the event. The loss of Sina Ghami and Ayodele Kelvin Olu represents a significant personal tragedy for Joshua and a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers on Nigerian roads, prompting widespread grief and renewed discussions on public safety.