Anthony Joshua stable in hospital after horror crash in Nigeria as identities of two of his friends killed in incident are named

Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition in hospital after a car accident in Nigeria, which has seen two of his close friends killed.

British boxing icon Joshua sustained injuries in the accident which took place on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Adeniyi Orojo

‘AJ’ and others injured taken to hospital where he is being kept for observation.

A statement from Ogun State Police Command on Monday confirmed that the accident killed two people.

The identities of the two people were later named as Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele, who both worked on Joshua’s team.

An official spokesman for Joshua said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.

“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.

“We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.

“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.

“No further information will be made available at this time.”

Ayodele was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ghami served as the former two-time heavyweight world champion’s sport and exercise rehabilitation coach.

Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria confirmed the initial findings of their investigation in the immediate aftermath of the horrifying incident.

A statement read: “Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”

“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.”

Disturbing photos from the scene showed the 36-year-old sat in the middle passenger seat of the car.

And subsequent videos shared on social media show Joshua, looking shaken up, being helped from the wreckage.

He is wincing in pain and is sat upright and conscious, responding to those who helped him out of the car.

Joshua travelled out to Nigerian capital Lagos after recently beating Jake Paul in his latest boxing fight earlier in December.

An eye witness account from Adeniyi Orojo described the incident to Punch Newspaper.

They said: “Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him.

“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.”

It is understood that Joshua was travelling inside a Lexus SUV, which collided with a truck which was stationary at the time of the accident.

Joshua was later seen sat in the front seat of an emergency vehicle, speaking to officials who attended the scene.

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The former two-time world champion’s promoter Eddie Hearn commented earlier on Monday before the status of Joshua’s condition was confirmed.

He said in a statement to the Daily Mail: “I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident. 

“We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images. 

“We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”

Joshua had been enjoying his stay on Nigerian soil, posting on his own social media account a video of him laughing and joking while playing table tennis.

He had suggested, prior to the crash, that he would return to the boxing ring in February or March 2026.

Several options were being explored for the heavy-handed Briton, with promoter Frank Warren suggesting he should fight Fabio Wardley or Moses Itauma.

It is understood that Joshua’s planned outing early year was to prepare for a blockbuster clash with bitter rival Tyson Fury.

The all-British showdown was being eyed for late next year, with the pair being slated in potential warm-up fights before the clash.

But the ‘Gypsy King’ has yet to officially indicate if he will indeed reverse his retirement to face AJ.

That is despite Joshua having accepted terms for his side of the deal with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, as confirmed by Hearn to talkSPORT.

Jake Paul sends message to Joshua

Paul, Joshua’s most recent rival, has come out with a supportive message after the tragic accident.

He 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.”