British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has been discharged from a Lagos hospital, Nigerian authorities confirmed late on Wednesday night local time, following a horrific car crash earlier this week that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
A Lucky Escape on a Deadly Road
The two-time former heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist is fortunate to be alive after the fatal accident near Lagos on Monday. The crash occurred on one of Nigeria's most dangerous roads, highlighting the country's ongoing road safety crisis.
According to his promoter, the 36-year-old Joshua had been under medical observation at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos while recovering from minor injuries sustained in the collision. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that Joshua was deemed clinically fit and discharged late Wednesday afternoon to continue his recuperation from home.
Paying Final Respects to Fallen Friends
Once released, Joshua's immediate focus was on honouring his lost friends. "Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening," Omotoso said in a statement on X.
The victims were identified as Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, and Latif Ayodele, his trainer. The tragedy struck just hours after Joshua and Ayodele had been seen enjoying a game of table tennis together, clips of which they had posted on social media.
Amplifying Nigeria's Road Safety Concerns
The accident has sharply amplified growing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where traffic fatalities are common. Recent data underscores the severity of the issue, showing the West African nation recorded 340 more deaths due to road accidents last year compared to 2023.
This tragic event marks a devastating end to 2025 for Joshua, who had recently secured a victory in a high-profile bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19. That fight was part of his preparation for a renewed push to compete for world titles, a campaign now overshadowed by profound personal loss.
