British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua narrowly survived a serious road traffic accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 29, 2025, that claimed the lives of two people, police and emergency officials have confirmed.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near Makun and close to Sagamu, when a Lexus SUV in which Joshua was a passenger reportedly collided with a stationary truck alongside the roadway.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the accident involved five adult males. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and an overtaking manoeuvre may have contributed to the crash, a serious risk factor on the congested expressway. Two of the occupants in the vehicle — reportedly the front-seat passenger and another beside Joshua — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Joshua, 36, was seated in the rear of the vehicle and sustained minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, while another occupant was also treated for lesser injuries. Two others reportedly escaped unharmed.
The heavyweight star, who holds British and Nigerian heritage and grew up partly in southwest Nigeria before returning to the UK, was in the country on holiday following his recent victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. The punch-perfect knockout in Miami marked a significant moment in his career, just days before the tragic road accident.
Video and images circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the crash, including a shirtless Joshua being helped from the wreckage amid shattered glass and debris. Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps and Ogun State traffic authorities were on the scene promptly and have launched a full investigation to establish the precise cause of the collision.
The Ogun State Government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged motorists to exercise caution — especially during the festive period when traffic volume is high. Road safety advocates say the tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about traffic violations and roadside hazards on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
As the sports world breathes a collective sigh of relief at Joshua’s survival, questions around road safety and enforcement on Nigeria’s major highways remain at the forefront of public concern. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
