The family of Nigerian-British boxing champion Anthony Joshua has spoken about the shock and trauma they are facing following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends.
Speaking with PUNCH, Anthony Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the family did not learn about the incident through social media but later received the news through a phone call.
According to him, some family members are not active on social media, which delayed their awareness of the accident.
“We didn’t hear about it on social media. Around 1pm, one of my church members, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, called to inform me. At first, it sounded impossible. How could Anthony Joshua be involved in an accident? Unfortunately, it was true,” he said.
Adedamola Joshua explained that the incident deeply affected the family, especially as the boxer had arrived in Nigeria only a few hours earlier and was travelling to Sagamu to visit relatives.
“He had just arrived about six hours earlier and was eager to see his family. This is not the first or second time he has come home, so the incident was shocking and painful,” he said.
He added that Anthony Joshua had chosen to spend time with his family rather than meet political leaders or other influential individuals during the visit.
“He could have decided to meet governors or prominent Nigerians, but he chose to be with his family in Sagamu. That makes the incident even more painful,” he said.
The uncle noted that the boxer’s visits to Nigeria during the Yuletide were routine and not tied to any special event, adding that the family’s annual gathering had stopped after the death of a senior family member.
On the boxer’s parents, he clarified that they were mostly based in Nigeria, particularly his father, while his mother splits her time between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Commenting on emergency response, Adedamola Joshua criticised what he described as Nigeria’s weak emergency system.
“It was distressing to see him crossing the road after the accident when he should have been on a stretcher. If it were abroad, a helicopter would have arrived within minutes,” he said.
He also condemned the circulation of graphic images from the accident scene and called for ambulances to be stationed along major highways.
“It’s not enough to have road safety officials checking documents. There should also be ambulances along these roads,” he said.
Reacting to reports about bystanders’ conduct, he accused some people of prioritising video recordings over helping victims and alleged that personal belongings were stolen at the scene.
“Instead of helping, some people were making videos and even stealing from victims. Anthony Joshua’s phone was reportedly stolen during the confusion,” he said.
Despite his criticism, he commended the response of government officials, noting that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ensured the boxer received quality medical care.
He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally contacted Anthony Joshua and his parents to express support.
“The President has spoken with him and his parents and assured them of the government’s support,” he said.
On the driver involved in the crash, Adedamola Joshua said he had no direct knowledge but questioned reports suggesting reckless driving, urging a proper investigation.
He further suggested that national sports icons should be provided with professional drivers and security while in the country.
Reflecting on the tragedy, he said the festive season was overshadowed by grief.
“How can there be celebration when your son is hospitalised and two of his friends are being taken home in body bags?” he asked.
While expressing relief that Anthony Joshua had been discharged from hospital, he said the family remained traumatised by the loss of his friends.
“We thank God he survived, but it would have been better if his friends had also survived,” he said.
Addressing fears that the incident could affect the boxer’s career or discourage future visits to Nigeria, he expressed hope that Anthony Joshua would recover fully and emerge stronger.
He concluded by offering condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.
