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Boxing star Anthony Joshua’s friends have been identified as victims of a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, the country’s president announced on social media.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu wrote X that he sent his condolences to Joshua for the loss of his loved ones.
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British boxer Anthony Joshua gets into an emergency vehicle after being involved in a car accident in which he suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria on Dec. 29, 2025, according to police, in this screenshot from social media video. (Sodiq Ayo via REUTERS)
“I have spoken to AJ to personally convey my condolences on the passing of two of his close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident,” he wrote in a post. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me that he will receive the best possible care.
“I also spoke to his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply grateful for the call.”
Joshua was considered “stable” after the crash, according to Nigerian officials. He suffered minor injuries and was otherwise “fine”.
“After thorough clinical evaluations, doctors have confirmed that both patients (admitted to hospital after the accident) are stable and do not require any urgent medical intervention at this time,” a joint statement by the Lagos and Ogun state governments said.
Shattered glasses are seen at the scene of the accident on December 29, 2025 in Sagamu, Nigeria. Nigerian authorities have confirmed that British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash that killed two others on a highway in Nigeria’s Ogun state. (Temiloluwa Johnson/Getty Images)
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The accident happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at 11am local time. Pictures showed Joshua breaking free from the vehicle he was riding in.
“The vehicle transporting Mr. Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, who was in the back of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person,” Ogun State Police said in an earlier statement.
A preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle “traveled beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver and crashed into a stationary truck,” which was on the side of the road, according to Federal Road Safety Corps spokesman Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Ogun State officials said that “preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot.”
Joshua recently played against Jake Paul in a boxing match. Paul said he prayed for Joshua.
Anthony Joshua in the ring under Netflix Ads Sponsors at “Jake vs Joshua” at Kaseya Arena on December 19, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida. (John Parra/Getty Images for Netflix)
“Life is much more important than boxing. I pray for the lives lost, AJ and anyone affected by today’s unfortunate accident,” he wrote on X.
Joshua is the son of British Nigerian parents. He spent time at a Nigerian boarding school when he was younger, but returned to the UK after his parents divorced.
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Joshua is a three-time heavyweight champion. He has held the WBA Super Heavyweight Championship, the IBF Heavyweight Championship and the WBO Heavyweight Championship. He lost his titles to Oleksandr Usyk back in September 2021.
