British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua escaped with minor injuries in a serious road accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, but two others in his vehicle tragically lost their lives. The incident occurred as the former heavyweight titleholder was traveling during a holiday visit to his ancestral homeland, just days after his high-profile victory over Jake Paul.
Joshua, 36, was a passenger in the backseat of a Lexus SUV on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. Eyewitness accounts and official reports describe a devastating impact that left the SUV heavily damaged, highlighting the dangers of one of Nigeria’s most notorious highways.
Details of the Accident
🚨ANTHONY JOSHUA SURVIVES DEADLY CAR CRASH
Two reported dead already
Incident happened in Nigeria
He has been taken to a nearby hospitalIs this his career over? pic.twitter.com/IAYyaud2Vj
— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) December 29, 2025
The crash took place around 11 a.m. local time near Sagamu in Ogun State, close to Joshua’s family roots. Preliminary investigations by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps suggest the SUV was exceeding the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking maneuver, though some police accounts point to a burst tire as the trigger that caused the vehicle to swerve into the parked truck.
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Five adult males were involved overall: Joshua sustained minor injuries and was rescued from the wreckage, appearing dazed and in pain in circulating footage. Two passengers died at the scene, reportedly foreign nationals, while two others emerged unhurt. Anthony Joshua was promptly taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, with authorities confirming he remained conscious and in stable condition.
Rescue efforts involved bystanders and Joshua’s security team, who were traveling in a following vehicle. Road safety officials arrived quickly, clearing the scene and emphasizing that excessive speed and improper overtaking are common factors in fatal crashes on Nigerian roads.
Reactions and Aftermath
@anthonyjoshua was involved in a serious car crash today. My condolences to all involved. pic.twitter.com/8EIvkvjCmZ
— Mr Bigtyme (@MBigtyme51479) December 29, 2025
News of the accident shocked Joshua’s family in Nigeria, with one relative describing it as unexpected during what is typically a festive visit for the new year. Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed relief upon seeing images suggesting Joshua was largely okay, while awaiting further updates.
Even Anthony Joshua’s recent opponent, Jake Paul, whom he knocked out on December 19, offered support on social media, stating that life outweighs boxing and extending prayers to all affected. The incident serves as a stark reminder of road safety challenges in Nigeria, particularly on high-traffic routes like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
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Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances, extending condolences to the bereaved families. Joshua, known for proudly embracing his Nigerian heritage, was reportedly en route to visit relatives when tragedy struck. As he recovers, the boxing world breathes a sigh of relief that the champion survived what could have been far worse.
