Super Eagles, Usyk Send Condolences To Joshua After Tragic Nigeria Crash

Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has received an outpouring of support from the Nigerian Super Eagles football team and his former ring rival, Oleksandr Usyk, following a fatal car accident in Nigeria that left two of his support team dead and Joshua injured.

The incident occurred on Monday, December 29th, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, 36, was reportedly injured, while two members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, tragically lost their lives when their vehicle collided with a stationary lorry.

Speaking after their 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Uganda in Fes, Morocco, Super Eagles players expressed their sorrow. Birmingham City’s Bright Osayi-Samuel told ESPN: “It wasn’t great, especially as it happened back home as well. Thankfully he was ok. It’s tragic to hear that two of his friends died. We just hope he gets better.”

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi added: “Man, it was a difficult one. When we heard he lost his family, it was really sad. I hope he can recover from that. I wish him strength, and to his family and the families of the guys who died as well. It was a difficult one.”

Oleksandr Usyk also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating: “This is an unbelievable loss. [Sina and Latz] were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. Anthony Joshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”

A spokesperson for Joshua confirmed that the Watford-born former two-time unified world heavyweight champion is in a “stable condition” after being taken to hospital for assessment. Mobile phone footage showed Joshua in pain as he was removed from the wreckage, though the local Ogun State Government confirmed he did not require emergency roadside treatment.