British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recovering in a Nigerian hospital after surviving a serious car accident that tragically killed two of his close friends and team members.
Mother's urgent dash to Lagos hospital
Joshua's mother has reportedly rushed to be at her son's bedside as he receives treatment for his injuries. The President of Nigeria himself confirmed on Monday that she had arrived at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, a facility acclaimed as the country's best private hospital for the past two years.
The 36-year-old boxer is said to be in a stable condition following the crash, which occurred on Monday. The incident claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif "Latz" Ayodele.
Eyewitnesses describe scene of horror
Accounts from the scene paint a picture of a devastating collision. One eyewitness told Nigerian outlet Vanguard that the impact was so loud it was initially mistaken for an explosion.
"The bang from the impact jolted everyone," the witness said. "At first, we thought it was another bomb blast. When we realised it was an accident, people rushed down."
The witness described how some bystanders began filming, while others tried to help those involved. It was during the rescue efforts that Joshua's identity was revealed.
"One of the men who survived shouted that we should help the people in the next car, saying one of them was Anthony Joshua," the witness added. The boxer was also reported to have complained of pain in his leg in the immediate aftermath.
A community connection and ongoing recovery
The eyewitness noted that some locals did not initially recognise the world-famous athlete until a passerby mentioned they were from the same area of Sagamu.
As the boxing world and fans await further news, the focus remains on Joshua's recovery from his physical injuries and the profound personal loss of his two colleagues. The community of Sagamu and the wider sporting public are mourning the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele.
Further updates on Joshua's condition are expected in the coming days as he continues his treatment at the top-tier Lagos medical facility with his family by his side.
