Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was on Monday involved in a fatal road accident in Ogun State, resulting in the deaths of two persons.

The accident occurred in the Makun area of Ogun State, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major traffic corridor linking the South-West to other parts of the country.

Eyewitnesses said Joshua was travelling in a Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN when the vehicle reportedly rammed into a stationary truck. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been established.

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A rescuer, Adeniyi Orojo, who participated in the emergency response, confirmed that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash. He added that two occupants of the vehicle died instantly at the scene.

According to Orojo, the accident occurred shortly before Danco Filling Station, in Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange, on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.

In the aftermath of the incident, concerned fans flooded social media with messages expressing worry over the boxer’s condition, while security agencies and traffic officials have launched investigations into the crash.

Attempts to reach the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, for official comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash

Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

World-renowned British-Nigerian boxing star, Anthony Joshua, was on Monday involved in a tragic road accident on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a highway notorious for frequent crashes due to heavy traffic, speeding and poor driving culture.

The accident occurred around Makun area of Ogun State, according to eyewitness accounts, when Joshua’s vehicle collided with another car under circumstances that are still being investigated by security and traffic authorities.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the former heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries and was promptly attended to, while two occupants of the other vehicle reportedly lost their lives instantly as a result of the impact. Their identities were yet to be officially confirmed as of press time.

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The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria’s busiest road corridor linking the commercial capital to the South-West and other parts of the country, has recorded numerous fatal accidents in recent years, despite ongoing reconstruction efforts by the Federal Government.

Joshua, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sports figures globally, commands a massive following both at home and abroad. News of the accident sparked concern among fans, while also reigniting public debate on road safety and emergency response on major highways.

Authorities were said to have commenced investigations into the crash, while traffic was temporarily disrupted at the scene.

The incident was first reported by The Punch.

Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has rejected its petition concerning the eligibility of DR Congo players, insisting the matter is still under review.

The controversy stems from Nigeria’s 4–3 penalty defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final for the 2026 World Cup following a 1–1 draw in November. Since then, speculation has circulated that FIFA had quietly dismissed Nigeria’s appeal.

Speaking on AIT, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi clarified that no such decision has been communicated.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has not received any letter from FIFA saying our petition has been rejected,” Sanusi said. “We have checked our emails and there is nothing from FIFA. If anyone claims otherwise, let them show the evidence.”

Nigeria’s petition alleges that several DR Congo players fielded in the match were ineligible under FIFA regulations and Congolese national law, which does not recognise dual citizenship. Players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who hold European passports, were cleared to play, prompting Nigeria to claim FIFA was misled.

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“Our position is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said. “The law in Congo does not allow dual nationality. We believe there is a clear breach, and that breach is fraudulent.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo’s football body, Fecofa, strongly rejected Nigeria’s claims, describing the petition as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch. The body urged Nigeria to “play the World Cup with dignity and confidence, not with lawyer tricks,” branding the Super Eagles as “bad losers.”

Under FIFA statutes, players may switch national teams only once, subject to approval by the Players’ Status Committee, and eligibility must comply with the country’s nationality laws. FIFA can dismiss protests for lack of evidence, investigate for potential fines or warnings, or impose sporting sanctions such as match forfeiture.

Past precedents include South Africa being docked points for fielding a suspended player and Equatorial Guinea sanctioned over player eligibility, though points were not restored in the latter case.

Nigeria is hopeful that FIFA’s final ruling could reopen their path to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For now, the NFF insists the matter is far from over.

NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review