Anthony Joshua Injured in Nigeria Car Crash That Killed Two
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that tragically killed two people.
The former world champion was a passenger in a black Lexus that collided with a stationary red commercial truck on the Lagos Ibadan expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest and deadliest roads.
The crash occurred around 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on Monday.
Video from the scene showed Joshua, 36, being helped out from the back seat of the wrecked SUV.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that five men were involved in the accident, two of whom, both male foreign nationals, died.
Joshua and the driver were rescued by his security team.
Preliminary FRSC findings suggest the Lexus was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and may have lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre.
Pictures from the crash site showed the wrecked vehicle surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.
The expressway is known for heavy traffic, especially during the festive season when many Nigerians return home.
Joshua, born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, near the crash site.
He had been in Nigeria following his recent victory over American YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul on December 19.
Paul shared a message on X, saying, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram playing table tennis, though it is unclear when or where it was taken.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the accident.
A family member in Nigeria described the news as a shock and prayed for Joshua’s speedy recovery as well as for those who died.
Joshua had been travelling from Lagos to Ogun State to join family in Sagamu for New Year celebrations.
His family, well known in the town, plans to build a new indoor boxing venue named after him, where he serves as a sports ambassador.
