The global boxing community and millions of Nigerians at home and abroad breathed a cautious sigh of relief on Wednesday as news emerged that former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, has been discharged from hospital following treatment for injuries sustained in a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. While Joshua survived the horrifying crash, the incident has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory return to Nigeria, as it claimed the lives of two of his closest associates and members of his professional team.
DDM NEWS gathered that the British-Nigerian boxing icon was formally discharged after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery from home. The confirmation was made in an official statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who described Joshua’s medical progress as stable and encouraging, given the severity of the crash and the trauma associated with such an incident.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday along the notoriously dangerous Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major transport artery that has over the years become synonymous with fatal crashes involving heavy-duty trucks, speeding vehicles, poor road discipline, and mechanical failures. According to initial reports, a Lexus SUV conveying Anthony Joshua and members of his team rammed into a stationary truck parked along the highway under circumstances that are still being investigated by multiple agencies.
While Joshua escaped with what authorities described as minor to moderate injuries, the same could not be said for two key figures in his inner circle. Kevin Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s long-time personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, both lost their lives in the crash. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the boxing world and sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, athletes, and public figures across continents.
Sources close to the matter told DDM NEWS that Joshua was immediately rushed to Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos, one of the country’s most reputable private medical facilities, where he was placed under close observation. Medical personnel reportedly prioritized stabilizing him, conducting thorough scans to rule out internal injuries, fractures, or neurological complications that often accompany high-impact collisions.
In his statement, Omotoso confirmed that Joshua remained under specialist care for two days before being discharged on Wednesday afternoon. “The former heavyweight boxing champion has been deemed clinically fit to recuperate from home,” the commissioner stated, adding that the decision followed extensive medical evaluations and consultations.
However, the emotional weight of the tragedy was evident even after Joshua’s discharge. DDM NEWS learnt that shortly after leaving the hospital, the boxer, accompanied by his mother, paid a solemn visit to a funeral home in Lagos where the remains of the late Ayodele and Ghami are currently being preserved. Witnesses described the visit as deeply emotional, with Joshua visibly shaken as he paid his final respects to the men who had played pivotal roles in his career and personal life.
Beyond the personal loss, the accident has reignited national debate about road safety, enforcement failures, and conflicting accounts from authorities regarding the cause of the crash. On Tuesday, the Ogun State Police Command attributed the accident primarily to a burst tyre, suggesting a mechanical failure that caused the vehicle to lose control before colliding with the stationary truck.
However, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) offered a different perspective. In its preliminary findings, the FRSC stated that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the likely causes of the accident. The discrepancy between the two official narratives has raised questions among observers and safety advocates, with many calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
DDM NEWS notes that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has long been a black spot for accidents involving stationary trucks, many of which are poorly lit or improperly parked. Road users have repeatedly complained about broken-down trailers left overnight without reflective warning signs, turning the highway into a death trap, particularly in low-visibility conditions. In this context, the circumstances surrounding the Joshua accident reflect broader systemic failures rather than an isolated incident.
In a rare joint expression of sympathy, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the magnitude of the tragedy and the widespread public concern it has generated. According to Omotoso, both governors “deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident,” emphasizing the need for calm as investigations continue.
Anthony Joshua’s presence in Nigeria at the time of the accident had already attracted considerable public attention. Although born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents, Joshua has consistently maintained strong ties to his ancestral homeland, particularly Sagamu in Ogun State, where his family hails from. He frequently visits Nigeria, blending personal reflection with public engagements and cultural reconnections.
DDM NEWS recalls that during a previous visit, Joshua spent time with Nigerian celebrities, youth groups, and sports enthusiasts, positioning himself as a bridge between global boxing excellence and Nigerian identity. He also made headlines after presenting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a signed boxing glove, a symbolic gesture that underscored his pride in his Nigerian roots and his desire to inspire young athletes across the country.
The timing of the accident was particularly poignant. Joshua had only recently returned from the United States after knocking out social media personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre in Miami. The fight, though non-title, was widely publicized and marked another chapter in Joshua’s effort to maintain relevance and visibility as he charts the latter stages of his professional boxing journey.
For many fans, the tragic events in Nigeria have shifted attention away from sporting achievements to the fragility of life and the unseen risks faced even by global superstars. Messages of condolence and support have continued to flood social media, with fellow boxers, trainers, promoters, and fans expressing heartbreak over the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami, while praying for Joshua’s full physical and emotional recovery.
As investigations proceed, DDM NEWS understands that authorities are under pressure to reconcile conflicting reports and address long-standing safety concerns on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Civil society groups and road safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement against improperly parked trucks, improved road lighting, and tougher penalties for speeding and reckless driving.
For Anthony Joshua, the road ahead is likely to be defined not only by physical healing but also by grief, reflection, and the challenge of moving forward without two trusted members of his team. While his discharge from hospital marks a positive medical milestone, the tragedy has left an indelible mark on his visit to Nigeria and on the broader sporting community.
As Nigeria mourns alongside him, the incident stands as a sobering reminder that fame, wealth, and global acclaim offer no immunity from the dangers of poorly managed infrastructure and human error. DDM NEWS will continue to monitor developments surrounding the investigation, funeral arrangements, and any official policy responses arising from this devastating incident.