Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxer, has reportedly sustained more severe injuries than initially believed following a serious car accident in Nigeria on Monday. The tragic incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Lagos when Joshua’s black Lexus Jeep collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck. While Joshua only suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment, the crash resulted in the unfortunate deaths of his close friends, Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria provided initial details of the accident, stating that it involved the two vehicles mentioned and a total of five adult males. Two individuals lost their lives, one was injured, and two escaped unharmed. Joshua survived with minor injuries and received medical attention, while the deceased were taken to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu for further procedures by the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division.
Although initially described as minor, concerns have arisen regarding the extent of Joshua’s injuries from the crash. Sources close to the former heavyweight champion have expressed worries about possible rib and knee injuries, suggesting a more severe situation than initially thought.
A video circulating on social media showed Joshua playing table tennis with Ayodele shortly before the tragic incident. Following the accident, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, led tributes to the deceased friends, expressing heartfelt condolences. Matchroom Boxing also confirmed the passing of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in a statement, emphasizing respect for the affected families’ privacy during this difficult time.
In an Instagram post, a spokesperson for Matchroom Boxing conveyed the sad news of the fatalities and Joshua’s injuries, confirming his stable condition while under observation in the hospital. The statement requested privacy for the grieving families and announced no further comments at that moment.