Nigerians across the country and the diaspora have been plunged into shock following reports that heavyweight boxing icon, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a serious road accident on the bustling Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident, which occurred in the Makun area of Ogun State, resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, while the celebrated athlete escaped with only minor injuries.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The accident happened on Sunday, December 29, 2025, as Joshua was travelling along the major highway. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle carrying the two-time world champion collided with another car. The exact circumstances leading to the crash are still under investigation by the police and other relevant agencies.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden collision that gave other motorists little time to react. In the chaotic aftermath, emergency responders and bystanders rushed to the scene to offer assistance. Notably, Anthony Joshua was reported to have remained at the location, participating in initial efforts to aid other injured victims before the arrival of official authorities.
Nationwide Reaction and Social Media Outpouring
The news quickly spread across social media and blogs, triggering a wave of reactions from concerned Nigerians. While many expressed profound relief that Joshua was not seriously hurt, the confirmation of two fatalities cast a pall of sorrow over the discourse.
Prayers and messages of sympathy flooded online platforms. User Chiedozie Collins commented, "So sad to hear this. Life is truly fragile. Wishing Anthony Joshua a swift and full recovery." Another user, Emmanuel Uket, offered prayers for the boxer's safety.
However, the incident also sparked broader conversations about road safety and the movement of high-profile individuals in Nigeria. Dr. Kelechi Ugonna (PhD) voiced a pointed concern, stating, "I genuinely don’t know what Anthony Joshua is doing in Nigeria. If you are in Nigeria, sit down and stay at a place! You are a GLOBAL SUPERSTAR. You can’t be careless with your movement."
Joshua's Nigerian Holiday and Boxing Comeback
The British-Nigerian boxing champion is currently in Nigeria for the festive season. His visit follows a recent successful return to the ring, where he secured a victory in an exhibition bout against American YouTuber and boxer, Jake Paul. This fight marked Joshua's first appearance after a brief hiatus from competitive boxing, making his accident-related scare particularly alarming for his fans.
As of now, officials have not released a formal statement detailing whether factors like speeding, road conditions, or mechanical failure contributed to the fatal crash. The police investigation is ongoing to establish the definitive cause.
The community in Makun and the wider Nigerian public are now mourning the two lives lost in this tragic event, even as they remain thankful that their boxing hero survived. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the perennial dangers on Nigerian roads.
