Amanze Chinonye
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua remains in stable condition after a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and members of his training team, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has concluded its assessment of the crash, attributing it to excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking.
The accident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday near the Sagamu Interchange in the Makun area of Ogun State, when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua lost control and collided with a stationary truck on the Ibadan-bound carriageway.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAuthorities confirmed that five people were involved in the incident. Two passengers died at the scene, Joshua sustained injuries described as minor, while two others escaped unhurt.
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Joshua and another injured passenger were evacuated from the scene and rushed to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where doctors carried out several clinical assessments and confirmed that both patients were stable and did not require emergency medical intervention. Officials said a comprehensive medical team has been assembled to monitor them closely, adding that Joshua has been relating well with his family.
The deceased were identified as Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele, described by official sources and Joshua’s camp as close friends and integral members of his training team. Their remains were deposited at the Livewell Hospital morgue in Sagamu.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Joshua confirmed the deathsdeaths, describing the loss as devastating. “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time,” the statement said.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also confirmed that the boxer was injured in the accident and taken to hospital for treatment. He said Joshua was in a stable condition and would remain under observation, while extending condolences to the families of the deceased on behalf of Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Joshua was seated at the rear of the vehicle at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries, while expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The incident has continued to draw reactions from across the sporting world and beyond. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed that he had spoken personally with Joshua and his mother to convey condolences and prayers, while assuring that the boxer was receiving the best possible medical care.
Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, had been spending time in the country following his return to the ring earlier this month, when he recorded a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami after a 15-month absence from competitive boxing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
