British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital and is now recuperating at a private residence in Nigeria, following a devastating road traffic collision earlier this week that claimed the lives of two of his closest companions.
The Tragic Incident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The serious accident occurred on Monday, 29th December 2025, at approximately midday local time near Sagamu on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. According to the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Joshua was a passenger in the back of a black Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggest the Lexus was "suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit" and lost control while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre. The parked truck was on the side of the major road at the time of the impact.
Tragically, Joshua's friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were killed in the crash. Police confirmed that the 36-year-old two-time world heavyweight champion survived with only minor injuries.
Joshua's Recovery and a Heartfelt Tribute
A joint statement released by the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun states on the social media platform X confirmed Joshua's discharge from Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi on Wednesday afternoon, 31st December.
The statement read: "Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed fit (enough) to recuperate from home." It extended gratitude to the medical team for their "quality of care and professionalism."
Prior to his discharge, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home on Wednesday to pay their respects to Mr Ayodele and Mr Ghami, ahead of the repatriation of their bodies to the UK.
A spokesperson for the boxer described the deceased as "close friends and integral members of Anthony's team." This sentiment was echoed by Kolawole Omoboriowo, a close friend who coordinates Joshua's logistics in Nigeria, who told Sky News that Mr Ayodele was "more than a friend" to Joshua, resembling a "twin brother."
Investigation Highlights Nigeria's Road Safety Crisis
The FRSC's report on the incident underscored a grave and ongoing national issue. It stated: "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."
Joshua had been in Nigeria on holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19th December. The champion, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, is now understood to be dealing with the profound emotional fallout from the tragedy.
Mr Omoboriowo suggested the boxer would be in a "traumatised situation," noting the particular pain of witnessing a friend's death. The period since the accident has been described as a "crazy nightmare for everyone" connected to Joshua's tight-knit circle.
