Anthony Joshua Released from Hospital Following Fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua Discharged From Hospital After Fatal Car Accident in Nigeria

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital after surviving a serious car accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends, state officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Details of the Anthony Joshua Car Accident

The accident happened on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, a busy highway in southwest Nigeria. Joshua was traveling in an SUV with friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele when their vehicle crashed into a stationary truck.

According to the Nigerian police, the SUV was traveling at excessive speed and reportedly burst a tyre before the collision. The crash occurred in Ogun State, and investigations are still ongoing.

Condition of Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lagoon Hospital in Lagos for treatment. Officials from both Lagos State and Ogun State governments oversaw his medical care following the crash.

In a joint statement released late Wednesday, government spokespersons confirmed:

“Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon. Though heavy-hearted and full of emotion over the loss of his two close friends, he was deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home.”

Loss of Close Friends and Funeral Visit

Tragically, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died at the scene of the accident.

Ghami was Joshua’s longtime strength and conditioning coach

Ayodele was his personal trainer

After leaving the hospital, Anthony Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home where the bodies of his friends were being prepared for repatriation, according to officials.

Police Investigation and Driver Status

Nigerian police confirmed that the driver of the SUV was also hospitalized and has since been discharged. Local media reports say the driver is being questioned and could potentially face reckless driving charges, though no formal charges have yet been announced.

Photos released by police showed the severely damaged SUV, highlighting the force of the impact.

Anthony Joshua’s Recent Boxing Career

Anthony Joshua, a British national with Nigerian roots, frequently visits southwest Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, attracts many visitors during December, including members of the diaspora.

In December, Joshua made headlines by knocking out Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed fight in Miami. He has also been linked to a potential future bout with Tyson Fury.

Before the Jake Paul fight, Joshua suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.