Nigeria's President Reveals What Anthony Joshua Told him After Fatal Car Crash

Nigeria's president has opened up on a phone call with Anthony Joshua after he was involved in a fatal car crash on a highway in Makun, Ogun State, on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

On Monday, the two-time world heavyweight champion was one of four passengers in a Lexus Jeep which collided with a stationary truck by the side of the road.

Pictures soon emerged of a shirtless Joshua backseat surrounding by glass, with local media reporting that Joshua was "rescued alive and sustained minor injuries".

In a statement, the Ogun State government said Joshua travelled to hospital for treatment and is 'stable'.

But as more information was gathered and released, it was then confirmed that two adult males had been killed in the crash. They were later named as Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, two key members of Joshua's team and friendship group.

Joshua suffered minor injuries in the crash which claimed the lives of two people. Image: The Punch

The Federal Road Safety Corps said the car was travelling "beyond the legally prescribed speed limit" and lost control during "an overtaking manoeuvre".

Nigeria's president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took to X, to share that he had a phone call conversation with Joshua where he offered his condolences over his loss.

He also spoke to Joshua's mother, who is Nigerian.

After an early statement on the incident, the President wrote: "I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.

"I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention.

"May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed."

The truck involved in the collision was towed away. Image: Getty

Eddie Hearn reacts with statement

It was reported that Joshua was travelling to Lagos to visit a family home when the crash happened. He had earlier posted a video of him playing table tennis with personal trainer 'Latz'.

After an initial comment to the Daily Mail, Joshua's long-time promoter Eddie Hearn provided a lengthy statement on Monday evening where he gave an update on the 36-year-old and offered prayers to the families of those who sadly died.

"Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today," Hearn said on Instagram.

"With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.

"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.

"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time."

Joshua is yet to comment on the tragic crash but his most recent opponent Jake Paul said he was "praying for the lost lives" and that "life is much more important than boxing".

In a second post, Paul, who Joshua knocked out in Miami, wrote: "RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ."