Renowned global boxing star, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road accident on Monday in Makun area of Ogun State. The accident occurred along the ever-busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, close to the Sagamu Interchange, and resulted in the death of two persons.
The incident happened just before the Danco Filling Station on the Ibadan-bound axis of the expressway. This section of the road is known for heavy traffic, especially from long-distance vehicles travelling between Lagos and other parts of the country.
According to reports, the vehicle carrying Anthony Joshua collided with another car under circumstances that are still being investigated by the authorities. While Joshua sustained minor injuries, two other individuals died at the scene of the accident.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Mr Oluseyi Babaseyi. He stated that the police were aware of the crash and that investigations had begun to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Although details of how the collision occurred were not immediately clear, eyewitnesses said the crash caused temporary disruption to traffic along the expressway, as security agents and emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Anthony Joshua was said to be travelling with others when the accident occurred. He was quickly attended to by emergency responders and security personnel and later taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Police sources confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening.
The identities of the two people who died in the accident were not immediately released. However, their bodies were recovered from the scene and taken to a morgue in the area, pending identification and contact with their families.
Anthony Joshua, popularly known as AJ, is one of the most successful boxers of his generation. He is a former two-time unified heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Though born in the United Kingdom, Joshua is of Nigerian descent and has strong ties to Nigeria, especially Ogun State, where he often visits.
His popularity in Nigeria is very high, with many young people seeing him as a role model due to his success in sports and his connection to his roots. News of the accident quickly spread across social media, causing concern among fans and sports lovers across the country.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where the accident occurred, is one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. It connects Lagos, the nation’s commercial centre, to several states in the South-West, North-Central, and beyond. Despite ongoing repair and expansion work, the road has remained a major accident hotspot due to speeding, heavy traffic, and the presence of broken-down vehicles.
Over the years, Ogun State has recorded several fatal accidents on this road, prompting calls for better enforcement of traffic laws, improved road signs, and quicker emergency response systems.
The police spokesperson, Mr Babaseyi, said officers from the command were on ground to manage the situation and ensure free flow of traffic after the accident. He added that further details would be made available as investigations continue.
“The Ogun State Police Command confirms the accident involving Anthony Joshua along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash,” he said.
The accident has once again brought attention to the dangers of road travel in Nigeria, even for well-known individuals with security support. It also highlights the need for all road users to obey traffic rules and remain alert at all times.
As at the time of filing this report, Anthony Joshua was said to be responding well to treatment. Fans and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond have continued to send messages of support and prayers for his quick recovery.