Anthony Joshua discharged from hospital following Nigeria car crash, heads straight to friends’ bodies at funeral home

Anthony Joshua, the British boxing superstar, has been discharged from a Nigerian hospital following a harrowing car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends. The 36-year-old former heavyweight champion narrowly survived the collision, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads. Joshua was rushed to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, widely regarded as the country’s top private medical facility. Thankfully, he escaped the accident without any broken bones, though emotionally shaken, while his two friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were killed instantly.

Late on New Year’s Eve, Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a Lagos funeral home to pay his respects before the repatriation of his friends’ bodies to the UK. Regional authorities from Lagos and Ogun states confirmed his release and expressed condolences, saying, “We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss. 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 clinically fit to recuperate from home.”

Investigation underway into Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash

Authorities revealed that the Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua struck a stationary truck parked illegally on the hard shoulder. Nigerian police have launched a manhunt for the truck driver, who disappeared after the collision. Reports suggest the Lexus may have been speeding during an overtaking maneuver, and the driver could face prosecution for reckless driving. Eyewitnesses described the crash as deafening, with the SUV losing control after a tire burst.

Joshua’s friends, both 36, were sitting just inches away from him when tragedy struck, underscoring the severity of the accident. A source close to Joshua confirmed he will remain in Nigeria for several days to recover at home. Officials also praised the support from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the “fatherly support he gave throughout the process.”

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has seen 73 fatalities along its 127.6km stretch in just three months earlier this year, highlighting its notorious reputation. In the aftermath, images of the wrecked SUV circulated on social media, showing the boxer being extricated from the vehicle while wincing in pain.

Also Read: What happened to Anthony Joshua? Cause of car crash explored as boxer hospitalised after deadly Lagos–Ogun road accident