British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death following a devastating road accident on Nigeria’s Lagos–Ibadan Expressway after the luxury SUV he was travelling in rammed into a stationary truck.
New details have emerged revealing that a last-minute seat change inside the vehicle may have saved the former world champion’s life.
According to reports, Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat of the Lexus SUV when the driver, identified as 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, asked him to move to the back seat. Kayode reportedly told Joshua that his large physique was obstructing his view of the side mirror, prompting the boxer to switch seats moments before the crash.
The vehicle later collided with a stationary truck while allegedly attempting to overtake at high speed. The impact proved fatal for two of Joshua’s close friends and members of his training team.
Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, who was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash, died on the spot. His personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, who was seated on the rear passenger side, also succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision.
Anthony Joshua and the driver survived the crash with minor injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical attention. Authorities confirmed that Joshua was seated in the back of the vehicle when the collision occurred — a factor investigators believe significantly reduced the severity of his injuries.
Following investigations, Nigerian police charged the driver, Kayode, with multiple offences, including dangerous driving, reckless driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid licence.
The fatal crash has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with fans and fellow athletes expressing grief over the loss of Joshua’s longtime team members and relief that the boxer survived the horrific incident.
The accident occurred on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s major highways, which has a history of deadly crashes involving speeding vehicles and stationary trucks.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
