A close relative of Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua has spoken about the overwhelming shock and emotional pain the family is experiencing following the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of the athlete’s close associates.
Speaking in an interview, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said news of the tragedy reached the family hours later, not through social media, but via a personal phone call.
He explained that many family members are not active online and were unaware of the incident until a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, who is also a church member, contacted him around 1 p.m.
“When I heard it, it sounded unreal,” he said. “How can Anthony Joshua be involved in a road accident? It didn’t make sense to me at first, but sadly, it was true.”
According to him, the news plunged the family into disbelief and grief, particularly because Joshua had only arrived in Nigeria a few hours earlier and was on his way to Sagamu to visit relatives.
“This is not his first visit home. He comes regularly, so why now? Why did this have to happen this time?” he asked. “He landed barely six hours earlier and was excited to see his people in Sagamu.”
Adedamola revealed that the boxing champion intentionally avoided high-profile social engagements, choosing instead to spend quiet time with family.
“He could have gone to meet governors or other prominent figures, but he chose family. That is what makes this even more painful,” he said.
He added that Joshua’s festive visits to Nigeria were routine and not linked to any special celebration, noting that extended family gatherings stopped years ago after the death of a senior family member who used to coordinate them.
The boxer’s uncle strongly criticised Nigeria’s emergency response system, describing it as inadequate and poorly coordinated.
“It was heartbreaking to see him crossing the road after the accident when he should have been evacuated on a stretcher,” he said. “That should never happen.”
He argued that such a scenario would have been handled differently outside the country.
“Abroad, emergency helicopters arrive within minutes. That level of response can save lives,” he added.
Adedamola also called for better safety infrastructure on major highways, urging authorities to deploy ambulances rather than focusing solely on routine document checks.
“Checking papers is not enough. Ambulances should be stationed on these dangerous roads,” he said.
He further condemned the actions of some bystanders at the crash scene, accusing them of prioritising recording videos over helping victims.
“When people should help, they bring out their phones. Some even steal from accident victims,” he alleged.
According to him, Anthony Joshua’s phone was reportedly stolen during the confusion, prompting calls for increased public awareness on emergency response procedures and toll-free distress lines.
Despite his criticisms, Adedamola acknowledged the efforts of government officials following the incident.
“The government truly tried,” he said, commending Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring the boxer received prompt and quality medical care.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Anthony Joshua and his parents.
“The President spoke with him and assured the family of full support,” he said.
Commenting on the driver involved in the crash, Adedamola said he had no personal knowledge of him but questioned claims of reckless driving.
“Saying someone was overspeeding and overtaking at the same time raises serious questions,” he noted.
He suggested that national icons like Anthony Joshua should be provided with professional drivers and security escorts whenever they are in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the tragedy, he said the festive season had been completely overshadowed by sorrow.
“How do you celebrate when your child is in the hospital and two young men are being taken home in body bags?” he asked.
While expressing gratitude for Joshua’s recovery and discharge from hospital, he said the family remains deeply traumatised.
“We thank God he survived, but our hearts keep returning to the fact that his two friends did not,” he said.
He concluded by extending condolences to the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the Joshua family at home and abroad, we mourn with the families of our beloved son’s friends whose lives were cut short. May their souls rest in perfect peace,” he said.
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