At Chijos News, we connect Nigerians in the UK with the stories back home that matter most. For many in the diaspora, Anthony Joshua is more than a global boxing icon, he is a shared symbol of Nigerian excellence abroad. That is why news of his involvement in a fatal road accident in Nigeria has sent shockwaves across Nigerian communities in the UK and beyond.
British-Nigerian former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident on Monday morning along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of two people. The crash occurred in the Makun area at about 11:00 am, according to Nigerian authorities.
Ogun State Police confirmed that Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital shortly after the crash. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said five people were involved in the accident, with two fatalities recorded, two individuals escaping unhurt, and Joshua receiving medical attention.
Preliminary findings by the FRSC suggest that the Lexus SUV conveying the boxer was likely travelling at excessive speed when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into a stationary truck parked by the roadside. The agency described overspeeding and wrongful overtaking as serious traffic violations and among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.
Joshua was reportedly travelling in a convoy of two vehicles at the time of the crash. He was seated in the Lexus, behind the driver, alongside two acquaintances. The impact proved fatal for the two passengers, while Joshua and the driver survived and were rescued from the wreckage.
Emergency responders from the FRSC arrived swiftly at the scene to assist, and Joshua was later evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos after an ambulance reportedly failed to arrive promptly. Video footage circulating online shows the boxer being helped from the damaged vehicle, visibly shaken but conscious.
In a joint statement, the Ogun State Government and Lagos State Government confirmed that Anthony Joshua and another injured passenger were stable following comprehensive medical assessments conducted at a Lagos hospital. The statement, signed by Ogun State’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinlade, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, said doctors had confirmed that neither patient required emergency medical intervention at this time.
Both governments expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and confirmed that Joshua has been in communication with his family. They also stated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing and appealed for privacy for the boxer and his loved ones.
Joshua’s ties to Nigeria run deep. Born to British-Nigerian parents, he attended boarding school in Ikenne, just over 50 miles from where the accident occurred, before relocating to the UK at the age of 12. For many UK-based Nigerians, the incident feels deeply personal, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety back home.
The accident comes barely over a week after Joshua knocked out American social media personality Jake Paul in the sixth round of a high-profile bout in Miami, marking his return to the ring after a 15-month layoff. The two-time unified heavyweight champion is expected to face long-time rival Tyson Fury in a much-anticipated clash in 2026.
As investigations continue, tributes and prayers have poured in from fans across the UK and Nigeria alike. While relief remains that Anthony Joshua survived, the tragedy has reignited conversations about dangerous driving conditions and enforcement on Nigeria’s major highways.
At Chijos News, we will continue to follow this story closely and provide verified updates for Nigerians in the UK seeking clarity, context and connection to events unfolding back home.
