British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday that killed two of his close friends and members of his team, his camp has confirmed.
The former world champion was taken to hospital after his vehicle collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around 11am local time, according to Ogun state police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo. The driver was also injured.
An official spokesman named the deceased as Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele, describing them as "close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team". Joshua is in a stable condition and remains under observation.
Nigeria’s federal road safety corps said preliminary findings indicated the Lexus Jeep was travelling at excessive speed and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into a stationary truck. Two others escaped unhurt.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences, having spoken with Joshua. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn and boxer Jake Paul also paid tribute. Joshua had recently defeated Paul in a fight and is expected to face Tyson Fury next year.
