Three Nigerian men who were present at the scene of a horrific accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have come forward with chilling accounts of the crash and the frantic rescue operation that followed.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Crash Scene
The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was traveling in a car with his driver, fitness coach Latif Ayodele, and another coach, Sina Ghami, when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck. Tragically, Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua was extracted from the wreckage and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
"Promise" Recounts the Rescue Mission
In a video report published by Legit.ng on January 3, 2026, a man identifying himself as Promise from Akwa Ibom State gave a detailed narrative. He stated he was at the location between 10 am and 11 am when the crash happened, caused by another car diverting at high speed. Promise emphasized that Joshua was not driving at the time of the collision.
He described immediate efforts to control traffic, stating that the two coaches had died instantly. His account of rescuing Joshua was stark. "We tried to stop all the trucks. As the accident happened, immediately, the two white men die instantly... If no be God sef, e for don die. Na we like this being am come outside, na we carry am out inside the car," Promise said in the viral clip.
He stressed the critical timing of their intervention: "Before any force, na we was there. If no be we, Anthony Joshua for don die, if no be God sef."
Second Witness Shares Joshua's State of Shock
Another eyewitness, who spoke to Sky News, described hearing a loud "boom" initially mistaken for a truck tyre burst. Upon investigating, they saw a car had driven under a parked truck. This witness provided insight into the boxer's condition moments after being pulled to safety.
"He was shocked immediately he saw what had happened. He couldn't talk," the witness revealed, painting a picture of a traumatized champion confronted by the loss of his companions.
Third Witness Returns to the Accident Site
A third individual returned to the crash site days later, providing further context about the notorious stretch of road. He highlighted the dangerous nature of the expressway, mentioning a separate, recent incident where a man was knocked down.
He confirmed that the truck involved in Joshua's crash was parked and loaded with soya beans, identifying the exact spot of the impact. His testimony underscored the recurring safety issues on that particular highway.
A History of Danger on the Lagos-Ibadan Road
The reports have reignited concerns about road safety on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Legit.ng also covered the story of an elderly Nigerian man who suffered serious injuries in a 2022 crash at the same location, sharing his reaction to Joshua's accident.
Adding to this, a young man came forward online to reveal he had a terrible accident at the exact same spot years prior, leaving him unable to walk for days, saved only by the intervention of passersby—a chilling echo of Joshua's rescue.
The eyewitness accounts collectively highlight the pivotal role of ordinary citizens in emergency response, the fragility of life, and the pressing need for improved safety measures on one of Nigeria's most critical highways.
