Nigerian Authorities State the Cause of Anthony Joshua SUV Accident Which Killed Two
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
On Monday, December 29, 2025, former World Heavyweight champion Anthony ‘A.J’ Joshua, age 36, fresh from his win over Jake Paul and looking for a super bout with Tyson Fury in 2026, was injured and two of his friends were killed in an SUV crash in Lagos, Nigeria. Joshua was in the back seat of a black Lexus SUV traveling along Ogun–Lagos Expressway when the crash occurred, which left two of his team members dead of four occupants in the vehicle. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. [5 a.m. EST] on a busy stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway which connects Ogun to the commercial center of Lagos, Joshua suffered minor injuries. Joshua’s security detail was following in the vehicle behind the Lexus. Joshua is the son of British Nigerian parents. Joshua attended Nigerian boarding school in childhood, and returned to Britain after his parents divorced.
The super bout with Tyson Fury, or any possibilities of a major comeback bout, have been derailed due to the crash Joshua, who has family ties in Ogun, sustained minor bruises, and is hospitalized in stable condition at a specialized facility in Lagos. Babaseyi Boluwatife, a spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, said two other occupants in the vehicle with him, including the driver, were killed. Joshua’s friends Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele were killed in the crash.
Childhood friend Latif and AJ’s trusted strength and conditioning coach Sina were sitting next to each other in the front seat on Monday when their chauffeur-driven Lexus hit a stationary truck at a high speed. Latif and Sina died instantly in the crash. Pictures shared by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) showed a wrecked car at the site of the crash, with a crowd of onlookers gathered around. According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps indicated an investigation revealed the vehicle Joshua was traveling in blew a tire on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver at excessive speed, and crashed into a stationary Sinotruck parked by the side of the road.
Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, spoke to Joshua and his mother Yeta Odusanya. Tinubu stated the boxer has assured him that he was receiving the best care in the hospital. The Nigerian leader expressed his condolences over the deaths of Joshua’s friends to the 36-year-old himself as well as praying for Odusanya.
President Tinabu said “I spoke with A.J. on the phone to personally convey my (sincere) condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She (Mrs. Odusanya) was very appreciative of my call. I (also) spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me he will do everything possible to ensure A.J. receives the best possible attention.”
Tinubu released a statement on X which read “AJ, I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries. This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathize with you and your family, as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride. In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters, with a shared destiny. I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery, and repose to the souls of the departed.”
COMMENTS
Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent