Close associates of Anthony Joshua have voiced profound concern for the British boxing superstar's psychological wellbeing, following a devastating road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
The Horrific Incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The tragic event unfolded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV, part of a two-vehicle convoy, when it collided with a stationary truck. Joshua miraculously escaped with minor injuries, but his long-time friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, were killed in the impact.
An eyewitness described the immediate aftermath, stating that they and others began rescue efforts before officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. Footage from the scene showed the heavyweight boxer being helped from the wreckage, visibly in pain, before being placed into a police vehicle.
Inner Circle Fears for AJ's Mental State
Kolawole Omoboriowo, who has known Joshua for eight years and coordinates his logistics in Nigeria, was the person who informed the boxer's family of the accident. He described the crash as "a crazy nightmare" and revealed the depth of Joshua's bond with Ayodele, saying he was "like a twin brother" to the athlete.
Speaking to Sky News, Omoboriowo articulated the primary worry now gripping Joshua's team: "What is actually in my head now is: 'How do we get AJ out of that traumatised situation?'. And that is just the only thing that everybody is worried about right now."
He added a plea for space and understanding, noting, "Right now, everybody might think AJ is okay. But we don't know how he's going to take it... we just want everybody to actually give him a moment to relax, rest." Omoboriowo emphasised the need for prayers to grant Joshua strength to bear the losses.
Investigation Points to Speeding and Tyre Blowout
Joshua was discharged from the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos on New Year's Eve, deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home. He was reportedly seated in the rear left passenger seat, behind the driver, who also survived. His two friends, seated on the right side of the vehicle, tragically did not.
Authorities have begun their investigation into the cause of the crash. Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for Ogun State's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, confirmed that a preliminary investigation had been conducted. The findings concluded the car had been speeding when the front tyre on the passenger side burst, causing the driver to lose control.
The hired local driver, now discharged from hospital, is providing a statement to police and could potentially face prosecution for reckless driving. Meanwhile, a joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments expressed condolences, praying for the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families.
While Joshua's physical injuries are described as minor, there remains apprehension within his camp that the emotional and psychological scars from the traumatic event and the loss of his dear friends will be severe and long-lasting.
