In a shocking turn of events that has gripped the Nigerian news cycle and the international sporting world, British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car crash on Monday, December 29, 2025, along the notoriously busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred near the Sagamu Interchange in Makun along the Ibadan-bound axis of the expressway, has killed two people and left the heavyweight champion with only minor injuries, according to multiple local and international news reports.
What Happened: Details of the Crash
Eyewitness accounts and early reports indicate that the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua — along with his driver and at least two other occupants — collided with a stationary truck early Monday morning at around 11 a.m. local time. The precise circumstances under which the crash occurred remain under investigation by local authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).
According to reports, the truck, laden with goods and parked near a petrol station in the Makun area, may have been a factor in the collision. Some sources suggest that the Lexus vehicle sustained significant damage upon impact. Officials have confirmed two fatalities at the scene, though the identities and affiliations of those killed — whether they were in Joshua’s vehicle or another involved vehicle — have not been made public by authorities.
Anthony Joshua: Condition and Response
Despite the severity of the crash, all available sources indicate that Anthony Joshua sustained only minor injuries. He was reportedly conscious and responsive at the scene before being attended to by emergency responders. Local media and eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes as onlookers, first responders, and traffic officials worked to manage the situation and assist those involved.
Family members, representatives, or Joshua’s official camp have yet to release a formal statement. However, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn — widely recognized as Joshua’s long-time manager — has reportedly spoken about the incident, expressing relief that the star appears largely unharmed based on available footage and that efforts are underway to contact him directly.
Context: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Road Safety Issues
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most critical transportation corridors, linking Lagos — the country’s commercial capital — with Ibadan and the northern regions. However, it is also notorious for frequent accidents and heavy traffic congestion. Road safety experts have repeatedly cited factors such as excessive speed, poor road conditions, and reckless driving as persistent hazards for motorists along the route.
Data from earlier in 2025 revealed hundreds of crashes along the expressway within a single quarter, resulting in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries, underscoring the broader systemic challenges facing road users on this busy national artery.
Global Reaction and Social Media Outcry
The news of Joshua’s involvement in the crash has spread rapidly across social media platforms, with fans, sports analysts, and commentators from around the world expressing concern for his wellbeing. Many users have also taken the opportunity to spotlight road safety issues in Nigeria, particularly on major highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
What Happens Next: Official Inquiry and Updates
At the time of this writing, local authorities have confirmed that an official investigation is underway to determine the cause and contributing factors of the collision. The FRSC and Ogun State traffic officials are expected to provide more detailed findings once the preliminary assessment is completed.
There is widespread expectation that further updates — including formal statements from Anthony Joshua’s team, medical reports, and official police releases — will emerge in the coming hours and days.
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