Two “close friends” and members of boxer Anthony Joshua’s team have been confirmed dead following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele are believed to have been travelling in the same Lexus Jeep as Mr Joshua when it collided with a stationary truck by the side of a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at 11am local time on Monday, according to reports.
Mr Ayodele, otherwise known as Latz, was seen playing table tennis with Mr Joshua hours before the collision. Known as healthy_mindset on social media, he has been by Joshua's side over the last decade of his career.
Mr Ghami is a physio in the boxer’s team and a friend of Mr Joshua, who is reportedly in a stable condition and has spoken to his family, but was rushed to hospital after he suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The British boxer, a former two-time world heavyweight champion who is also of Nigerian heritage, was holidaying in Africa just 10 days after his high-profile fight with Jake Paul. Follow all the latest updates, news and reaction from the car crash below:
Read MoreAnthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as two casualties in fatal car crash that injured boxer
Tributes paid to friends of Anthony Joshua who died in tragic car crash
Anthony Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn reacts after heavyweight boxer involved in car crash
A concerning boxing trend is gathering pace, and fighters deserve better
Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash - latest updates
- Two dead confirmed as team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
- Anthony Joshua in 'stable' condition, Ogun government says
- Crash caused by car suspected to be speeding, government preliminary findings suggest
- Anthony Joshua's end to year was 'wild and tragic', boxing expert says
- Boxer visiting Nigeria after knockout victory against Jake Paul days ago
In pictures: Two members of Joshua's team who died in car crash
11:03 , Tara Cobham 'My heart goes out to you,' Jarrell Miller tells Joshua
10:45 , Tara CobhamJarrell Miller has said his “heart goes out” to Anthony Joshua.
The American boxer, who was due to fight against Joshua in 2019 before failing a drug test, posted a video of Joshua on social media, alongside the caption: “We ain’t friends but as warrior and human being my heart goes out to you. Prayers go out to you, your friends and family. Get well bruv. Life is truly too short.”
In the footage, Joshua says: “Basically what I’m saying is, everyone have a good evening, whatever you’re doing in your lives. We’re all going to die one day, so don’t get too caught up in the bulls*** and the hype. Live your life while you’re here, because you never know what’s around the [corner], like heart attacks, disease, wars, like life could just hit you like that. So try and enjoy every day – that’s what I’m trying to say. Don’t get too caught up in the bulls***.”
Watch: Crash victim Sina Ghami trains with boxer in final video posted before his death
10:30 , Tara Cobham Anthony Joshua’s coach trains with boxer in final video posted before fatal crash
'Thoughts and prayers with AJ and families,' Tyson Fury's promoter says
10:15 , Tara CobhamTyson Fury’s promoter has said his “thoughts and prayers” are with Anthony Joshua and the loved ones of those affected by the tragedy.
In a post on social media, Frank Warren said: “Thoughts and prayers are with AJ and the families of those impacted by this terrible accident today.”
Thoughts and prayers are with AJ and the families of those impacted by this terrible accident today.
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) December 29, 2025
Watch: Anthony Joshua trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele spoke of enjoying life days before fatal crash
10:00 , Tara Cobham Anthony Joshua trainer’s final post on enjoying life shared days before fatal crash
Comment: A concerning boxing trend is gathering pace, and fighters deserve better
09:45 , Tara CobhamIn 2025, the old sport survived the shocking death of a hero, the absence of Tyson Fury, and a win in a carnival fight by Anthony Joshua just days before a tragic accident.
It was an exceptional year of highs, lows and ridiculous on both sides of the ropes. There were high-profile defections, stadium sell-outs, and stunning knockouts. There were also allegations of fixed fights, men quitting in major fights, and too many deaths on the safe side of the ropes.
There were three major stadium fights in Britain during the year, with a combined live gate of about 220,000 people; there were smaller stadium fights and probably 10 fights with 15,000 fans at indoor arenas. In September, for the first time since it started in 1974, the World Amateur Championships came to Britain; the action in Liverpool was exceptional, the coverage abysmal.
Boxing expert Steve Bunce writes:
A concerning boxing trend is gathering pace, and fighters deserve better
Anthony Joshua's end to year was 'wild and tragic', boxing expert says
09:30 , Alex PattleBoxing expert Steve Bunce has described Anthony Joshua’s end to the year as “wild and tragic”.
Writing in The Independent, he said: “This was a wild and tragic end to the year for Joshua. He knocked out Jake Paul in a glorious carnival fight in Miami six days before Christmas, and then 10 days later was injured in this fatal car crash in Nigeria, losing these two friends. The Paul fight was watched by 30m on Netflix; the boxers shared over $100m. They were both winners. In the end, just two days before the new year, the whole Miami sideshow was forgotten; it never mattered to Joshua, he survived the carnage and that is all that really mattered.”
Ghami and Ayodele described as 'massive part of Joshua machine' by boxing expert
09:15 , Jamie BraidwoodBoxing expert Steve Bunce described Ghami and Ayodele as "a massive part of the Anthony Joshua machine".
"They've been with him, if not from the start, at least very early on. Latz is AJ's personal trainer and Sina is his strength and conditioning man. They are with him all the time," Bunce, who is a columnist for The Independent, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He calls them his boys. They're more than that. They are friends. They may have strict jobs, they might be his strength and conditioning coach, his personal trainer, his dietitian, his nutritionist, but they're close and he loves that close circle.
"Sina and Latz are massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine."
Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital, according to officials
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAnthony Joshua is recovering in hospital in Nigeria after being involved in a car crash that killed two of his close friends and members of his team.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who were killed in the crash, have been notified.
Joshua has been visited by the deputy head of the British High Commission in Nigeria while the country’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke separately with Joshua and his mother.
Joshua remains in a stable condition and a statement from Mr Abiodun said: “We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism.”
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele killed in car crash involving Anthony Joshua
08:45 , Jack RathbornLatif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, a team member and friend of Anthony Joshua, has been confirmed as one of the two people killed in the fatal car crash in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday.
Known as healthy_mindset on social media, Latz has been by Joshua's side over the last decade of his career.
He was seen with AJ playing table tennis in a video shared on Instagram stories just four hours before news broke of the car crash, which has left Joshua "badly shaken" but with only "minor injuries".
Sina Ghami killed in car crash involving Anthony Joshua
08:30 , Jack RathbornSina Ghami, a team member, physio and friend of Anthony Joshua, has been confirmed as one of the two people killed in the fatal car crash in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday.
Known as sina_evolve on social media, Sina has played a pivotal role in Joshua's most recent training camp and fight against Jake Paul.
He was seen working on Joshua in the last month, providing deep-tissue massaging and aiding the two-time former world heavyweight champion with deep stretching.
Sina posted an Instagram story less than five hours before news broke of the car crash, which has left Joshua "badly shaken" but with only "minor injuries".
Pictures: The site of fatal car crash involving Anthony Joshua
08:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAnthony Joshua was sat behind the driver, according to eyewitnesses, and was one of four travelling in a Lexus SUV when it crashed into a stationary truck on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
We now know two of the four were killed and they have been named as Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both 36 and “close friends” of the two-time heavyweight champion.
Joshua’s security team were following in a separate car, a Pajero SUV.
Where Anthony Joshua was involved in car crash
08:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe crash happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at about 11 a.m. local time on Monday. The road links the Ogun state to Lagos and a 50mph speed limit is in place, according to local media reports.
What caused fatal car crash?
07:45 , Jamie BraidwoodA spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary investigations indicated the vehicle was "traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” and “lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre” before it crashed into a stationary truck by the side of the road.
The Ogun State Police Commissioner, Lanre Ogunlowo, told ESPN that the accident happened as a result of a “burst tire” on the vehicle which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road”.
Men killed identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
07:30 , Jamie BraidwoodA statement from Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing confirmed the two men who died in the crash as Kevin Ayodele, known as Latz, and Sina Ghami.
Both men were 36 and were longtime friends and associates of Joshua.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” a statement said.
“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
Statement from The Governments of Ogun and Lagos
07:16 , Jamie Braidwood“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.
“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time.
“A comprehensive medical team has since been convened and will continue to monitor them closely.
“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family.”
Anthony Joshua's management statement in full
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWatch: Anthony Joshua pulled from wreckage after car crash in Nigeria
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneStatistics report that expressway is Nigeria’s deadliest nationwide
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA report from Legit Nigeria reads: “By 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remained Nigeria’s deadliest highway.
“Data showed that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 175 crashes were recorded, resulting in 73 deaths and 393 injuries.
“January 2025 saw the highest number of crashes, while February recorded the highest fatalities.”
Recap: Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as two casualties in fatal car crash that injured boxer
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as victims in fatal car crash that injured boxer
In pictures: Aftermath of scene shows car destroyed
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Recap: Anthony Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn reacts after heavyweight boxer involved in car crash
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritish boxer Anthony Joshua is believed to be “OK” with his promoter Eddie Hearn gathering information following reports of a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion has been enjoying a holiday in Africa after producing a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTube-turned-boxing superstar Jake Paul in Miami just 10 days ago.
You can read the full report below:
Anthony Joshua promoter reacts after heavyweight boxer involved in car crash
Anthony Joshua sat behind driver in fatal crash crash
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua was sat behind the driver in the crash that killed two people, according to an eyewitness.
"Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him," Adeniyi Orojo has told the Nigerian newspaper The Punch.
A Lexus and Pajero were reportedly involved in the crash, with Mr Orojo adding: "There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash."
Chris Eubank Jr pays tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBoxer Chris Eubank Jr has said “thank god our heavyweight champ survived” as he paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
In a post on X he wrote: “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) December 29, 2025
Anthony Joshua sent Jake Paul to hospital with broken jaw after fight
Monday 29 December 2025 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTen days ago, it was Joshua’s opponent who was taken to hospital.
Joshua broke Jake Paul’s jaw in two places during their fight in Miami, leaving the American on a liquid diet over Christmas, apparently.
Jake Paul details major damage caused by Anthony Joshua in knockout loss
Matchroom Boxing statement in full as Joshua's team members confirmed dead
Monday 29 December 2025 22:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHere’s Matchroom Boxing’s statement in full:
Matchroom Boxing and 258 MGTAnthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
No further comment will be made at this time.
Watch: Anthony Joshua plays table tennis with Latz hours before being injured in fatal car crash
Monday 29 December 2025 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigerian president says he has spoken to Joshua over the phone
Monday 29 December 2025 21:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he has spoken to Anthony Joshua personally to send his condolences.
In a post on X he wrote: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”
He said he had also spoken to and prayed for Mr Joshua’s mother, who was reportedly “deeply appreciative” of the call.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention,” he continued.
“May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”
Full report: Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as two casualties in fatal car crash that injured boxer
Monday 29 December 2025 21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua’s friends have been confirmed as the two casualties of a car crash in Nigeria, which left the heavyweight boxer with minor injuries.
Their identities have now been revealed as Mr Joshua’s personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami.
The Independent’s combat sports editor Alex Pattle has the full report:
Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as victims in fatal car crash that injured boxer
WBC president pays tribute to 'close friends to the champ'
Monday 29 December 2025 21:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has paid tribute to Mr Ayodele and Mr Ghami as “close friends to the champ”.
“Deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sina and Abdul Latif members of team Joshua and close friends to the champ @anthonyjoshua,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Sympathy for their families and friends during this difficult times.”
Deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sina and Abdul Latif members of team Joshua and close friends to the champ @anthonyjoshua
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) December 29, 2025
Our sympathy for their families and friends during this difficult times pic.twitter.com/qhC1kMSnkl
Pictured: Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele
Monday 29 December 2025 21:20 , Holly Evans Sina Ghami - a physio and friend who played a 'pivotal' role in Joshua's recent victory
Monday 29 December 2025 21:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s sports editor Jack Rathborn reports:
Sina Ghami, a team member, physio and friend of Anthony Joshua, has been confirmed as one of the two people killed in the fatal car crash in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday.
Known as sina_evolve on social media, Sina has played a pivotal role in Joshua's most recent training camp and fight against Jake Paul.
He was seen working on Joshua in the last month, providing deep-tissue massaging and aiding the two-time former world heavyweight champion with deep stretching.
Sina posted an Instagram story less than five hours before news broke of the car crash, which has left Joshua "badly shaken" but with only "minor injuries".
The story included a vehicle with the location Lagos tagged.
Sina is of Persian and Iranian descent, just like Jake Paul's promoter and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, who posed for a picture together with Joshua throughout fight week in Miami in December.
Latif 'Latz' Ayodele - a man who stood by Joshua for over a decade
Monday 29 December 2025 21:06 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s sports editor Jack Rathborn reports:
Latz, a team member and friend of Anthony Joshua, has been confirmed as one of the two people killed in the fatal car crash in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday.
Known as healthy_mindset on social media, Latz has been by Joshua's side over the last decade of his career.
He was seen with AJ playing table tennis in a video shared on Instagram stories just four hours before news broke of the car crash, which has left Joshua "badly shaken" but with only "minor injuries".
Badou Jack, the former cruiserweight world champion, and a friend of Latz, wrote a tribute on social media with a broken heart emoji: "Still in shock! May Allah forgive you for your shortcomings and grant you the highest level of paradise."
BREAKING: Two dead confirmed as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
Monday 29 December 2025 20:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua’s team have confirmed the two people killed in the crash in Nigeria as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The pair were “close friends” and team members of the champion boxer.
Who was involved in the crash?
Monday 29 December 2025 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOther than Mr Joshua, the identities of those killed and injured in the crash have not yet been released.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said in a tweet that five adult males had been involved in the collision.
“A total of five adult males were involved in the crash,” wrote the Corps. “Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”
Where did the crash take place?
Monday 29 December 2025 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Lexus Jeep believed to be carrying Anthony Joshua and three other people crashed into a stationary vehicle on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The expressway is said to be one of the most dangerous in the country and is formed of a 127.6-kilometre-long (79.3 mile) highway connecting Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and Lagos, Nigeria's largest city.
Authorities said the incident took place near Sagamu, in south west Nigeria. Mr Joshua is understood to have family ties to the area.
New picture shows Anthony Joshua at the scene
Monday 29 December 2025 19:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA newly released picture shows Anthony Joshua at the scene of the crash earlier on Monday.
Foreign office investigating crash, statement says
Monday 29 December 2025 19:23 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced that the FCDO is looking into the crash.
“We are urgently investigating reports of a road incident in Nigeria involving at least one British national and stand ready to offer consular assistance, if requested,” a spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with those affected, and their families.”
Four people were travelling in Joshua's vehicle, according to authorities
Monday 29 December 2025 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFour people were travelling in the car carrying boxer Anthony Joshua, according to authorities.
The Ogun government said in a statement: “The vehicle conveying a team of four reportedly collided with a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities.”
The identities of those fatalities are not yet known.
Anthony Joshua is 'conscious' and has been in contact with his family, reports say
Monday 29 December 2025 18:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua is “conscious” and has spoken to his family after he was involved in a crash that killed two, according to the Ogun government.
In an update, authorities said he and a second man who was transferred to hospital are in a “stable” condition and would not need emergency medical intervention at this time.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely,” the statement added.
Nigerian president sends sympathies to 'national pride' Anthony Joshua
Monday 29 December 2025 18:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigeria’s president has sent a message of support to Anthony Joshua following Monday’s crash that claimed two lives.
In a post on X, Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent his “sympathies” to Mr Joshua as he “bears the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident”.
“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,” he wrote.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathise 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.”
AJ,
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) December 29, 2025
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 sympathise with you and your family as you bear the… pic.twitter.com/GbqrPh7BiX
BREAKING: Anthony Joshua in 'stable' condition
Monday 29 December 2025 18:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua is in a “stable” condition after the car he was travelling in crashed in Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two people, Ogun State Government has announced.
Ogun government pays tribute to those killed in fatal crash
Monday 29 December 2025 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Ogun government has paid tribute to two men killed in a fatal crash involving Anthony Joshua.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss,” it wrote in a post on X.
“As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The identities of the two men killed have not yet been confirmed.
Boxing chief offers support to Anthony Joshua
Monday 29 December 2025 18:15 , Jack RathbornA statement has been released by Turki Alalshikh on Monday’s fatal car accident in Nigeria.
Thank God brother you are safe,” the Riyad Season boss said in reference to Anthony Joshua.
“And my condolences to the ones who passed away in this incident, and my sincere wishes to the injured people to come back healthier and stronger.”
Jake Paul reacts to Anthony Joshua car crash 10 days after KO loss to boxer: ‘I am praying’
Monday 29 December 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJake Paul has said he is “praying” for Anthony Joshua and those who lost their lives in a car crash involving the heavyweight boxer on Monday.
Joshua suffered minor injuries in the incident, which claimed two lives, 10 days after knocking out Paul in a boxing match in Miami.
Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, stopped Paul in six rounds, breaking the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s jaw in two places.
The Briton then travelled to Nigeria, where he has roots, and was a passenger in a car crash on the Ogun-Lagos expressway on Monday.
The Independent’s combat sports editor Alex Pattle has more below:
Jake Paul reacts to Anthony Joshua car crash 10 days after KO loss to boxer
Motorists urged to exercise 'utmost caution' following Anthony Joshua crash
Monday 29 December 2025 17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigerian authorities have urged motorists to exercise the “utmost caution” after a number of people were left hurt in the crash involving Anthony Joshua.
In a statement posted on X, the Ogun government described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful”, adding: “Motorists are therefore urged to exercise utmost caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when vehicular movement is typically heavy.
“Road safety officers and other security agencies are also enjoined to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts across the State to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
Joshua's car crashed into broken down vehicle, reports say
Monday 29 December 2025 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnthony Joshua’s car collided with a large truck that had broken down in the road on Sunday, according to reports.
An eyewitness told the BBC Joshua stayed inside the vehicle for around ten minutes before regaining consciousness.
They said the Nigerian Road Safety Corps then arrived at the scene and removed the truck from the road.
More pictures show debris and damage from the scene
Monday 29 December 2025 17:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Who was involved in Anthony Joshua car crash? Everything we know as two killed and boxer injured in Nigeria
Monday 29 December 2025 17:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBoxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that has left two people dead.
The British heavyweight boxer, 36, was hurt when the Lexus Jeep he was a passenger in was involved in a collision with what authorities called a “stationary, red commercial Sinotruck” on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday.
Authorities have so far given conflicting views on what led to the incident, and no details on the identities of the deceased have been released. However, it is understood Mr Joshua is one of two men who escaped largely unharmed.
You can read everything we know so far below:
Everything we know as Anthony Joshua involved in crash in Nigeria
Two killed in crash were 'foreign nationals', Ogun government says
Monday 29 December 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe two men killed in the crash were foreign nationals, according to reports from the Ogun government.
In a post on X it said Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were rescued from the wreckage by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Turki Alalshikh shares message of support for Anthony Joshua
Monday 29 December 2025 16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTurki Alalshikh has shared his support for Anthony Joshua after the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a fatal car crash near Lagos in Nigeria.
The boxing supremo, who had scheduled Joshua's next fight to be in Saudi Arabia in February, before a second fight in 2026 against British rival Tyson Fury, shared pictures of the pair embracing at ringside and posing alongside a copy of The Ring Magazine, which is owned by Alalshikh.
Joshua is thought to have only suffered "minor injuries" from the crash, though the accident is likely to push back his return to the ring and role as a major attraction for Alalshikh's Riyadh Season, with boxing a prominent part of the cultural festival in the Kingdom.
Collision involved Lexus Jeep and 'red commercial Sinotruck', officials say
Monday 29 December 2025 16:30 , Tara CobhamThe collision involved a Lexus Jeep and a “stationary, red commercial Sinotruck”, according to officials in Nigeria.
In a series of tweets posted by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, they said Anthony Joshua was a passenger in the Jeep.
The vehicle in which the other people, including the two reportedly killed, were travelling has not been confirmed by officials.
Watch: Anthony Joshua pulled from wreckage after car crash in Nigeria
Monday 29 December 2025 16:15 , Tara Cobham'Life more important than boxing': Jake Paul 'praying for lost lives' and Joshua following deadly crash
Monday 29 December 2025 16:02 , Tara CobhamJake Paul has said he is “praying for the lost lives” and Anthony Joshua following the deadly car crash.
Just 10 days ago, Joshua beat Paul in a high-profile fight and was believed to be recovering on holiday in Nigeria when the collision happened.
In a statement posted in X in the wake of the incident, Paul said: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 29, 2025
Joshua is on holiday in Nigeria following win against Jake Paul
Monday 29 December 2025 15:55 , Tara CobhamThe former two-time unified world heavyweight champion is on holiday in Africa following his sixth-round knockout win over YouTube-turned-boxing superstar Jake Paul in Miami less than a fortnight ago.
Following a 15-month boxing layoff, Anthony Joshua broke Paul’s jaw in two places en route to victory in a contest broadcast by streaming giants Netflix, drawing a global audience of 33 million viewers.
Five men involved in crash, according to government officials
Monday 29 December 2025 15:46 , Tara CobhamGovernment officials say five adult men were involved in the crash in Nigeria.
Two people died in the incident, two people were not hurt, and Anthony Joshua suffered minor injuries, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on social media, it said: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash.
“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”
Police statement issued saying two people died at scene of crash
Monday 29 December 2025 15:40 , Tara CobhamPolice say two people died at the scene of the crash.
A police statement said: “The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident at about 11am in Makun, Ogun State.
“The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.”
Police say burst tyre caused crash, according to reports
Monday 29 December 2025 15:35 , Tara CobhamPolice say the crash was caused by a burst tyre on Anthony Joshua’s vehicle, according to reports.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN: “The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ's vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road.”