British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death today in a devastating road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria.
The former two-time heavyweight champion suffered only minor injuries, but two of his close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Kevin "Lateef" Ayodele (also known as Latz), tragically lost their lives in the collision.
The crash happened around midday local time near Makun, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and three others slammed into a stationary truck parked on the roadside. Authorities from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps say preliminary investigations point to excessive speed and a risky overtaking maneuver as the main causes – common factors in many fatal accidents on Nigerian highways. Some reports mention a burst tire may have contributed, causing the driver to lose control.Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with the front of the vehicle badly mangled. Joshua, who was seated in the back, was helped from the wreckage after being trapped for several minutes.
Videos circulating online show the 36-year-old looking dazed and in pain as bystanders and rescuers assisted him. He was quickly taken to a specialist facility in Lagos, where doctors confirmed he's stable, conscious, and in touch with his family. No emergency interventions were needed, and he's under close monitoring.
Joshua had been enjoying time in Nigeria, his ancestral home, after his impressive sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul just ten days ago in Miami. Hours before the accident, he even shared a lighthearted Instagram video playing table tennis – likely with one of the friends who perished.
Tributes poured in quickly. Jake Paul posted on X: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident." Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered sympathies, calling Joshua a source of national pride and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo has launched a full investigation, and the Ogun State government extended condolences to the bereaved families. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is notorious for deadly crashes, often dubbed one of Nigeria's most dangerous roads.
Joshua's camp released a heartfelt statement expressing profound sadness over the loss of Ghami and Ayodele, longtime companions who had been by his side through much of his career. As the boxing world holds its breath, thoughts turn to the families mourning two lives cut short in this heartbreaking incident.
Watch video of him playing tennis hours before the accident👇
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