Scenes from the Accident involving Boxer, Anthony Joshua in Nigeria

 

British former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident in Ogun State, Nigeria on the morning of December 29, 2025, an incident that shocked sports fans worldwide. The accident occurred along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the Sagamu Interchange, where the boxer was traveling as a passenger in a convoy. Reports confirm that the crash resulted in the deaths of two people, while Joshua sustained minor injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention. 

Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured scenes immediately after the collision, showing the wreckage of the Lexus SUV in which Joshua was traveling. The images show shattered glass strewn across the road and the mangled frame of the vehicle, underscoring the severity of the impact. In some clips, the boxer is seen sitting inside the damaged SUV, visibly shaken but conscious, as onlookers and first responders gather around. 

According to police and Federal Road Safety Corps officials, the SUV carrying Joshua struck a stationary truck after reportedly losing control, possibly due to speeding or a burst tyre, causing a violent collision. The force of the crash was such that two of the vehicle’s occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua and at least one other person survived with injuries. 

One of the most discussed images shared online showed Joshua shirtless and surrounded by glass sitting at the back of the wrecked Lexus, an indication of how chaotic the aftermath was. Videos also revealed him grimacing in pain as rescue personnel and bystanders helped him exit the vehicle and later transfer him into an emergency transport.

The expressway where the accident happened is notorious for heavy traffic and road hazards, and local officials noted that speeding and unsafe overtaking manoeuvres are common contributing factors to crashes on this route. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to better understand exactly what led to this tragic incident.

The reaction online was swift, with many expressing relief that Joshua survived and sending condolences to the families of the victims. Some social media posts also highlighted perceptions about emergency response capabilities, with footage showing Joshua being transported in a police vehicle shortly after the accident.

Joshua, 36, a global sporting figure with strong ties to Nigeria through his heritage, had been in the country following a high-profile boxing victory just days earlier. The accident has cast a sombre tone over what had been a celebratory period for the boxer, as he recovers from his injuries and authorities continue their investigation.