The family of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep worry over their inability to see him following a tragic road accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the family’s home in Sagamu, Ogun State, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news of the crash as a shocking and painful experience for the entire family.
According to him, the family only became aware of the incident after receiving several calls from friends and well-wishers seeking confirmation.
“The news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in such a serious accident came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We didn’t hear about it immediately. Calls started coming in, and that was how we realised something terrible had happened. Anthony usually comes home three or four times a year, especially during festive periods, and those moments are always filled with joy. This was completely unexpected.”
He added that although the family has been in contact with Joshua’s parents, who are currently in Nigeria, they have not been allowed to visit him at the medical facility where he is being treated.
“We are eager to see him, even if it’s just three of us, but we understand that due to his international status, access to him has to be controlled,” he said.
The accident claimed the lives of two people close to the boxer—Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen—both members of Joshua’s team.
Expressing grief over their deaths, Joshua’s uncle offered prayers and condolences to the families they left behind.
“It is heartbreaking that two people who were very close to Anthony did not survive. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We pray God gives them the strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed that a full technical investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed may have played a major role.
According to FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the accident occurred around noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu and involved a black Lexus SUV that crashed into a stationary truck.
“From the level of damage, it is clear that speed was likely a major factor,” Ogungbemide said. “Although there was no speed detection device at that location, trained officers can estimate speed based on the impact. A full investigation will reveal the precise cause.”
He added that five adult males were involved in the crash, with two dying instantly, while emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes.
The tragedy has continued to draw reactions from political leaders and community groups across the country.
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Former Ogun State governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the incident as a painful reminder of life’s fragility, noting that Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of national pride and resilience.
Similarly, the Sagamu Youth Association expressed deep sadness over the incident, praying for Joshua’s recovery and strength for the families of the deceased.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also described the crash as heartbreaking, using the moment to call attention to Nigeria’s persistent road safety challenges. She urged the Federal Government to invest in better highway emergency response systems and rest stations to prevent future tragedies.
Following the accident, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, paid a visit to Joshua at the hospital. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were also said to be monitoring his condition closely.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and reportedly reached out to Anthony Joshua and his mother to express his condolences.
As investigations continue, the boxer’s family says it remains hopeful for his full recovery, even as Nigerians across the country keep him and the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers.
