Keypoints:
- Two people died in a crash involving Anthony Joshua’s vehicle
- Nigerian authorities say the boxer suffered only minor injuries
- Road safety officials cite speeding and overtaking as factors
BRITISH former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been involved in a fatal road accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State that left two people dead, according to Nigerian police and road safety authorities.
The crash occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of the country’s busiest highways, and involved Joshua’s vehicle and another car. Officials confirmed that the boxer sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, while investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ogun State Police Command said Joshua, 36, was among five men involved in the incident. Police described his injuries as non-life-threatening and said he had since been discharged from hospital.
Road safety findings
Further details were provided by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which confirmed that two people lost their lives in the crash, while two others escaped unhurt.
According to preliminary findings, the vehicle carrying Joshua was likely travelling at excessive speed when it attempted an overtaking manoeuvre, lost control and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
‘The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,’ the FRSC said in a post on X.
The agency added that investigations were continuing and that its findings would inform any further action.
Police investigation continues
Ogun State police said officers are working with road safety officials to reconstruct the accident and determine responsibility. Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges and stressed that conclusions would be reached only after a full technical assessment.
Joshua could not immediately be reached for comment, and no statement has been issued by his representatives.
Road traffic accidents remain a major public safety challenge in Nigeria, where speeding, poor vehicle maintenance and weak compliance with traffic regulations contribute to high fatality rates. The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a key commercial route linking the economic capital Lagos with the rest of the country, has recorded multiple deadly crashes in recent years.
Joshua’s ties to Nigeria
Joshua, who was born in the United Kingdom to British-Nigerian parents, has longstanding personal and professional ties to Nigeria. He attended boarding school in Ikenne, a town in Ogun State located around 53 miles from the crash site, before returning to Britain at the age of 12.
In recent years, the boxer has spent extended periods in Nigeria, training locally, engaging with fans and speaking openly about his desire to maintain strong links with his family’s country of origin.
Comes after ring return
The accident occurred just over a week after Joshua returned to competitive boxing following a 15-month layoff. He knocked out American social media personality Jake Paul in the sixth round of a high-profile bout in Miami, a fight that marked his return after a period away from the ring.
The former champion is widely expected to face long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026, a bout that has been discussed for years and remains one of the most anticipated match-ups in heavyweight boxing.
There has been no indication that the crash will affect Joshua’s future plans, with sources close to the boxer saying his injuries were minor.
As investigations continue, Nigerian authorities have renewed calls for motorists to adhere to speed limits and road safety rules, warning that reckless driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents across the country.
