Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is recovering from minor injuries after a serious car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday. The crash, however, claimed the lives of two others, including a pivotal figure in Joshua’s career.
The incident occurred near the Sinoma/Makun axis in Ogun State. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was speeding and attempted an illegal overtake before losing control and colliding with a stationary truck.
A Personal and Professional Loss
While Joshua and his driver survived, two foreign nationals in the vehicle died at the scene. Among the deceased was Sina “Evolve” Ghami, a pioneering sports rehabilitation specialist and Joshua’s close friend and coach for over a decade.
Ghami was a transformative figure in athletic recovery and was a constant in Joshua’s corner, most notably during his historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko. His death represents a profound personal and professional loss for the boxer.
Official Report and Reactions
The FRSC confirmed “excessive speed and wrongful overtaking” as the primary causes of the crash. The Corps withheld the identities of the deceased, stating they were not Nigerian nationals.
Joshua’s family, expressing shock, released a statement through a relative to the BBC: “The news came as a shock. We are hoping for his speedy recovery. For those who have passed away, we pray that their souls rest in peace.”
In a show of sportsmanship, Jake Paul—whom Joshua defeated in a high-profile bout just ten days prior—posted that he was “praying” for Joshua’s recovery.
Joshua and other injured parties are receiving treatment at the Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.