The family of world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has expressed deep concern over their inability to visit him following a tragic road accident on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking to journalists at the Sagamu family home in Ijokun on Tuesday, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock” for the family. He revealed that they only learned of the accident after receiving multiple calls from friends and well-wishers.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We did not hear this terrible news on time until calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony usually comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it is always a time to celebrate with family. This was completely unexpected.”
The uncle added that, although the family has been in touch with Joshua’s parents—also in Nigeria—they have not been allowed to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.
“We are eager to see him, even if only a few of us are allowed, but we understand the need to protect him given his global profile,” he said.
The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members: Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen. Joshua’s uncle expressed sorrow over their deaths, offering prayers for the bereaved families.
“We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts go out to their families and associates, and we pray for strength to bear this loss,” he said.
FRSC Investigation
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed on Tuesday that a full technical investigation into the crash is ongoing. Preliminary findings suggest excessive speed as a possible factor.
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said the accident occurred around 12 noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu, involving a black Lexus SUV (KRD 850 HN) colliding with a stationary truck.
“When you examine the impact, it appears the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit,” he said. “While there was no speed-measuring device at the crash site, trained officers can estimate speed from the extent of damage. The full technical investigation will confirm the exact cause.”
Ogungbemide added that five adult males were involved, two of whom died instantly. Emergency teams responded within three minutes of the crash.
Reactions from Leaders and Community
Political and community figures have also responded to the tragedy. Ogun State PDP 2023 governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu described the incident as a “painful and sobering tragedy.”
“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride. My thoughts and prayers are with him, the bereaved families, and all affected,” Adebutu said.
The Sagamu Youth Association expressed profound sadness, offering prayers for Joshua’s recovery and the families of the deceased. Its Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola, said: “Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed during this moment of immeasurable grief.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, called the crash “heart-wrenching and unacceptable,” using it to highlight Nigeria’s persistent road safety challenges.
“My heart goes out to Anthony Joshua at this painful time. Losing two close friends is devastating. I pray God grants him strength and comfort, and that the souls of the departed rest in peace,” she said. The senator urged the Federal Government to establish well-equipped rest stations and a dedicated highway emergency rescue system to prevent future fatalities.
Official Updates
Following the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at a Lagos hospital. Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) also monitored his condition.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and spoke separately with Joshua and his mother to convey condolences.
As the family awaits permission to see the boxer, Nigerians continue to pray for Anthony Joshua’s recovery and the swift conclusion of the FRSC investigation into the accident, which has shocked both the local community and the international sporting world.
