Former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua is stable after yesterday’s fatal crash.
The British-Nigerian arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early yesterday and was riding in a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Lagos to his paternal hometown, Sagamu, in neighbouring Ogun State, when the accident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The vehicle in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck.
Two passengers died on the spot. The boxer and the driver survived with injuries.
They were evacuated to a Lagos hospital, while the dead were deposited at a Livewell Mortuary in Ajaka, Sagamu, near the crash site.
The severely damaged SUV was evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office.
Those who died, according to sources, are Joshua’s fitness trainer and his friend.
It was gathered that the former world heavyweight champion, who sat behind the driver, had played tennis in Lagos with the two foreigners a few hours before embarking on the fateful trip.
The late coach was said to have played a vital role in the boxer’s physical preparation and performance over the years.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is in Europe in continuation of his holidays, spoke to the boxer while in the hospital to encourage him and to commiserate with him on the death of his friend and trainer.
He also spoke with the boxer’s mother.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) gave the reasons for the crash as “overspeeding and wrongful overtaking”.
FRSC Spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
A statement by Lagos and Ogun State governments, signed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed that the boxer was well at the hospital in Lagos.
The statement said: “Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
Both governments said they “are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care.’’
They extended “deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident’’ and prayed “that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this difficult loss.”
They added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident had also commenced,’’ and requested privacy from members of the public for Anthony Joshua and his family.’
Ogun Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that investigation was ongoing.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the boxer.
Before the President’s calls, he described the boxer as a patriotic citizen.
The post on X reads: “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries.”
The President said he sympathised with Joshua and his family as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident.
Tinubu also paid tribute to Joshua’s character and contributions, describing the boxer as a sportsman who has consistently shown courage, discipline and unwavering love for Nigeria, qualities he said have made Joshua a source of national pride.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny,” the President added, urging unity and compassion in the face of grief.
He concluded by praying for strength and a speedy recovery for the boxer, while asking for divine repose for the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident.
“May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”
In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates.
“I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”
The President further explained that he spoke with Governor Abiodun, who was at the hospital with the boxer.
Abiodun, according to the President, assured that everything possible would be done to ensure Joshua receives optimal medical attention.
