Mr. Adedamola Joshua, uncle of former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, said news of the road crash stunned the family.
He described the incident as a rude shock, saying no prior warning reached relatives before the information became public.
Joshua spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the family house in Ijokun, Sagamu, Ogun.
He explained that family members learnt of the crash only after receiving numerous phone calls from concerned acquaintances.
According to him, callers sought confirmation, having already heard reports of the accident involving the boxer.
Joshua said the delay in receiving information heightened fear and anxiety within the extended family.
He noted that the Sagamu community was deeply shaken by the incident involving one of its most celebrated sons.
“People could not believe such a terrible accident could happen to Anthony,” he said.
The uncle said Anthony Joshua maintains close ties with his roots and visits Nigeria several times yearly.
He added that the boxer often spends time with relatives whenever he travels to Sagamu.
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Joshua said family members have been unable to see the boxer since the accident.
He explained that Joshua is receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility in Lagos.
According to him, the decision was understandable, given the boxer’s global profile and security concerns.
Joshua said the family has remained in contact with the boxer’s parents, who are also currently in Nigeria.
“They assured us that he is stable and responding well to treatment,” he said.
The uncle expressed profound sadness over the deaths of two close friends and trainers in the crash.
He described the loss as painful, not only to the family, but to the wider boxing community.
Joshua prayed for strength and comfort for the families and associates of those who died.
“Sincerely, the news came as a rude shock to us all. We did not hear early; we only knew after calls started coming from everywhere.
“We have tried to reach him, but his status makes direct access impossible,” Joshua said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Monday.
Mr. Afolabi Odunsi, FRSC Public Education Officer in Ogun, issued the confirmation in Abeokuta.
Odunsi said the crash occurred around noon along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
He explained that the accident was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking.
According to him, the vehicle rammed into a stationary truck, resulting in fatalities and injuries. (NAN)
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