- British and Nigerian officials, including the British deputy chief of mission and the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, visited Anthony Joshua in a hospital in Lagos following a fatal car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan highway that killed two members of his team.
- President Bola Tinubu also expressed condolences and support to the families of the victims, as investigations and assistance continue.
British and Nigerian officials have rallied around heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua as he recovers in a Lagos hospital after a fatal crash on the Lagos-Ibadan highway.
Simon Field, the British High Commission’s deputy chief of mission, visited the 36-year-old boxer on Monday to monitor his recovery and coordinate support for the deceased’s family.
The visit included high-level discussions between the British envoy and the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, who personally oversee Joshua’s medical care.
“The British High Commission has been formally informed of the incident. Mission officials are monitoring developments and liaising with the hospital and the Ogun State Government. Mr Simon Field, Deputy Chief of Mission, visited the hospital and met with Anthony Joshua and the two governors.” — Ogun State Government statement
Governor Darap Abiodun (Ogun) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) reportedly stayed at the hospital for more than seven hours to ensure Joshua received top-notch treatment.
“As soon as I was notified, I went to the hospital and was later joined by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The two of us managed the situation, supervised Anthony Joshua’s care and stayed at the hospital for over seven hours.” — Governor Dapo Abiodun
The accident, which involved a Toyota Lexus SUV crashing into a stationary truck, tragically claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close colleagues and team members:
Sina Ghami (36): British citizen and Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach.
Ayodele Kelvin “Latif” Olu (36): British citizen of Nigerian descent and personal trainer.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the tragedy and held separate phone calls with Joshua, his mother and Governor Abiodun to express condolences and support.
“This huge tragedy casts a deep shadow over this season. These are very difficult times and we must be firm, united and encourage each other as brothers and sisters with a shared future.” — President Bola Tinubu
