Nigeria in mourning after tragedy rocks the sporting world

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen publicly sent his condolences following the serious car crash involving heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua in Nigeria, an incident that resulted in the deaths of two people and sent shockwaves through the country.

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The accident claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, close friends and fitness trainers of Joshua, after their vehicle collided with a stationary car.

Joshua in stable condition

According to BBC Sport, Anthony Joshua was assisted at the scene and taken to hospital with minor injuries. His promotional team, Matchroom, confirmed that the former world champion is in stable condition and will remain under medical observation over the coming days.

The crash occurred just ten days after Joshua’s high-profile bout with Jake Paul, a fight that ended in a sixth-round technical knockout for the British boxer and left Paul with a fractured jaw.

“He put Nigeria on the map”

Speaking during AFCON 2025, Osimhen did not hesitate to express his emotions. In an interview with The Athletic, the striker said:

“It’s devastating news. Anthony Joshua has been one of the huge figures who put Nigeria on the map for many years. Something like this affects so many Nigerians. My condolences to the families of those who passed away. Losing a life is never a beautiful thing.”

His words echoed the feeling inside the Nigerian camp, which received the news while competing in the continental tournament.

Nigeria squad reacts with emotion

Other Super Eagles players also shared their thoughts. Bright Osayi-Samuel described the incident as “tragic,” while Wilfred Ndidi admitted the emotional impact was immediate after learning that people close to Joshua had lost their lives.

“It was really difficult. When we heard what happened, it was heartbreaking. I wish him strength, and strength to the families of those who died,” said the Leicester midfielder.

Nigeria stay perfect at AFCON

Despite the emotional blow, Nigeria remained focused on the pitch and secured a 3-1 victory over Uganda, finishing the group stage with a perfect record and advancing to the knockout rounds as group winners.

The Super Eagles are now dreaming of lifting their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, fully aware that tough challenges lie ahead against sides such as Morocco, Egypt and Senegal.

A win on the field, in the middle of a tragedy that served as a reminder that even at the highest level of sport, football sometimes comes second.

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