British boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a car accident near Lagos that resulted in the deaths of two of his close associates on Monday. The two-time former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist was under medical observation at Lagoon Hospital due to minor injuries sustained in the crash.
According to Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information, Joshua was deemed clinically fit to continue his recovery at home and was released late Wednesday afternoon. His promoter confirmed that the boxer was hospitalized following the accident, which tragically claimed the lives of Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Latif Ayodele, a trainer.
Tragic Accident and Immediate Aftermath
Shortly before the accident, Joshua and Ayodele had shared videos on social media, enjoying a friendly table tennis match. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding road safety in Nigeria, a country that has witnessed a growing number of road accidents. Data from the Federal Road Safety Corps indicates that Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths due to 9,570 road accidents in 2024, with an increase of 340 fatalities compared to the previous year.
Joshua and his mother visited the funeral home in Lagos to pay their respects to Ghami and Ayodele. The pair were being prepared for repatriation, which was scheduled for later that evening, as confirmed by Omotoso. The tragic loss of his friends has left a profound impact on Joshua, who is known for his close-knit relationships with his team.
Joshua’s Recent Fight and Future Plans
Prior to the accident, Joshua had been preparing for a new chapter in his boxing career. He recently secured a victory against Jake Paul on December 19, 2024, a match that served as a platform for Joshua to enhance his fitness levels and strategize for future title contests. The boxer has expressed his commitment to returning to the ring and continuing his pursuit of excellence in the sport.
As Joshua navigates this difficult time, he faces not only the challenges of mourning his friends but also the imperative to raise awareness around road safety in Nigeria. The tragic events highlight the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
