Tragedy and Survival: Anthony Joshua Involved in Fatal Car Crash in Nigeria
👇🏿👇🏼(Videos Of Accident Below)👇🏼👇🏿
The world of sports was rocked this Monday morning by news of a devastating road accident involving boxing icon Anthony Joshua. The former two-time world heavyweight champion, who was in Nigeria on a personal visit, narrowly escaped a high-speed collision on the notorious Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
While the boxing world breathes a collective sigh of relief that “AJ” is expected to recover, the incident has left a somber cloud over the region, as authorities confirm the crash claimed the lives of two individuals.
The Details of the Incident
The Danger Zone: The Sagamu Interchange
Adding weight to the severity of the incident, local reports confirm the crash took place specifically in the Makun axis, just before the Danco Filling Station. This area is situated near the Sagamu Interchange, a notorious “black spot” for motorists. The accident occurred around 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025.
While the interchange is a vital link for those traveling between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan, it is frequently criticized for poor lighting at night and the dangerous habit of truck drivers parking on the narrow shoulders of the highway. Investigations are currently looking into whether the truck involved was moving or stationary at the time of the impact—a common factor in fatal collisions along this route. (Watch 1st video below 👇🏿)
Joshua was traveling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle reportedly slammed into a stationary truck. Local reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest that the impact was severe, with the Lexus suffering extensive damage.
> “It was a scene of chaos. The SUV was mangled. We saw people rushing to pull a tall man out—it was only later we realized it was Anthony Joshua,” one eyewitness reported.>
The Human Cost
Tragically, this was not just a narrow escape for a celebrity; it was a fatal event. Officials have confirmed that two people died at the scene. While the identities of the deceased have not been formally released, they are believed to be occupants of the vehicle or associates in the convoy.
Viral footage from the scene shows a visibly distressed Joshua being assisted from the wreckage. In the clips, the boxer appears to be in significant physical pain and emotional shock, dazed by the suddenness of the impact. (Watch 2nd video below 👇🏿)
Current Medical Status
Despite the harrowing images of the wreckage, the latest updates from medical personnel and the Ogun State Police Command are cautiously optimistic:
Injuries: Joshua is reported to have sustained minor injuries, primarily lacerations and bruising.
Condition: He remained conscious throughout the ordeal and was transported to an undisclosed hospital for comprehensive scans and observation.
Management Response: His promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated that while the boxer is “shaken and in pain,” he is expected to make a full recovery. (Watch 3rd video below 👇🏿)
Why Was AJ in Nigeria?
Anthony Joshua has never hidden his deep-rooted pride in his Nigerian heritage. Just over a week ago, he secured a dominant knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami—a fight that marked his successful return to form.
Following the bout, Joshua traveled to his parents’ homeland to spend the holidays with family and connect with his roots. Hours before the crash, he had shared lighthearted moments on Instagram, including a video of himself playing table tennis, showing no sign of the tragedy that was about to unfold.
A Reminder of Reality
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that no level of fame or physical prowess offers protection against the unpredictability of the road. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most vital economic arteries, but it is also one of its most dangerous. Early investigations by the FRSC point toward potential over-speeding or a burst tire as contributing factors.
The Danger Zone: The Sagamu Interchange
Adding weight to the severity of the incident, local reports confirm the crash took place specifically in the Makun axis, just before the Danco Filling Station. This area is situated near the Sagamu Interchange, a notorious “black spot” for motorists.
While the interchange is a vital link for those traveling between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan, it is frequently criticized for poor lighting at night and the dangerous habit of truck drivers parking on the narrow shoulders of the highway. Investigations are currently looking into whether the truck involved was moving or stationary at the time of the impact—a common factor in fatal collisions along this route
As fans across the globe send “Get Well Soon” messages to the champion, the local community is also mourning the two lives lost in the wreckage.
We will continue to update this story as more official statements are released regarding the cause of the accident and Joshua’s recovery timeline.
