British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has survived a terrifying car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two other passengers.
The Crash on a Notorious Highway
The incident occurred on the morning of Monday, 29 December 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. This 80-mile route is infamously one of Nigeria's most dangerous roads, having seen 645 fatalities in just 27 months, with 73 lives lost in the last three months alone.
Joshua, 36, was in the backseat of a Lexus SUV that was part of a two-vehicle convoy. According to authorities from the Federal Road Safety Corps Nigeria, the SUV was believed to be travelling over the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre. It then collided with a stationary truck parked at the side of the road near a petrol station in Makun.
A Narrow Escape from the Wreckage
Horrifying images from the scene showed the completely mangled wreckage of the Lexus. Joshua was pictured moments after the crash, appearing dazed and in agony amidst shattered glass. Dramatic footage showed passersby helping to pull the visibly shaken boxer from the ruins.
Tragically, the two other passengers in the Lexus were not so fortunate. The passenger seated beside Joshua and the front-seat passenger both died at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released. Joshua and the driver were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Ogun State Police, confirmed the accident and Joshua's hospitalisation. Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi stated: “Two died, while Joshua and one other have been hospitalised and are receiving treatment at a hospital that would not be disclosed.”
Aftermath of a Traumatic Ordeal
The former two-time world champion was in Nigeria on a holiday, having arrived just days after his £70 million victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. A friend of Joshua's said he was "okay but badly shaken up" and described the event as a "traumatic ordeal".
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he was attempting to make contact and awaiting more information. The Ogun State Government issued a statement expressing "profound condolences" to the families of the victims and confirming that an investigation is ongoing.
Joshua, whose parents are both from Nigeria, is a regular visitor to the Sagamu area in Ogun State where his family originates. The crash comes as the boxing great is reportedly being lined up for a potential future showdown with Tyson Fury.
