The former world champion was a passenger in a luxury SUV that collided with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State on Monday.
Officials confirmed that Joshua is in a “stable and conscious” condition and is receiving treatment at a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
Rescue and casualties
The crash occurred at approximately 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT). According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), five men were involved in the incident.
Two men, identified by local officials as “foreign nationals,” died at the scene. Joshua and the driver were reportedly pulled from the wreckage of the black Lexus by the boxer’s security detail.
Footage circulating on social media showed the 36-year-old being assisted from the back seat of the badly damaged vehicle.
‘Excessive speed’ suspected
The FRSC said preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle was “travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, striking a red commercial truck parked by the side of the road.
The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest and most dangerous routes. Accidents often spike during the festive season as thousands of members of the Nigerian diaspora return home to visit relatives.
Tributes and reactions
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu described Joshua as a “source of national pride” and expressed his sympathies to those affected.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season,” the President posted on X. “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident.”
American boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated in a high-profile bout on 19 December, also shared a message of support: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted.”
Roots in Sagamu
Joshua, who was born in Watford, maintains deep ties to Nigeria. He had been travelling to the town of Sagamu in Ogun State to join his family for New Year celebrations.
The Joshua family is well-known in Sagamu, where the boxer serves as a sports ambassador. Local authorities had recently announced plans to name a new indoor boxing venue in his honour.
A relative told the BBC the news had come as a “shock” and that the family was praying for his speedy recovery while mourning the loss of the other passengers. Police have ordered a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
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