Kamaru Usman Apologises Over Leaked Video of Chat with Anthony Joshua After Ogun Car Crash
By Our Correspondent
Nigerian-American UFC superstar Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology amid widespread backlash over a leaked video capturing his conversation with British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua moments after a horrific car accident involving Joshua in Ogun State.
The incident unfolded on Thursday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the Fidiwo area, where Joshua’s convoy was involved in a multi-vehicle collision.
Eyewitnesses reported that the boxer escaped unharmed but was visibly shaken as he engaged in a roadside discussion with Usman, who was reportedly in Nigeria for a private visit.
In the now-viral 45-second clip, shared widely on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Usman is heard making light-hearted remarks about the crash, joking, “Bro, you dey run Formula 1 for Ogun road? Na only you fit turn expressway to boxing ring!” Joshua, laughing off the mishap, responded, “Man, na God save me today.
These Nigerian roads no dey play.”While some fans praised the camaraderie between the two global sports icons—both of Nigerian descent, the video quickly drew sharp criticism from Nigerians online.
Many accused Usman of insensitivity, arguing that trivialising a potentially deadly accident on one of Nigeria’s most notorious highways undermined road safety awareness.
“This is not funny. People die daily on that Ogun road because of bad portions and reckless driving. Kamaru should know better as a Naija boy,” tweeted user @OmoObaNG, whose post garnered over 5,000 likes.
Others labelled the exchange “tone-deaf,” especially given recent fatalities on the same stretch, including a tragic pile-up last month that claimed 12 lives.
Reacting swiftly on his verified Instagram page late Thursday, the former UFC welterweight champion, known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” posted a video apology. “First, prayers to everyone involved in today’s accident, no one was seriously hurt, thank God.
My chat with AJ was just brothers joking after a scary moment, but I see now it came off wrong amid our road challenges back home,” Usman said.
He continued: “I’m truly sorry if it hurt or offended anyone. Nigeria’s roads need fixing, and we must all speak up for safety. No excuses, my bad. Love to Naija always.”
The post, viewed over 2 million times within hours, has sparked a mix of support and debate.
Anthony Joshua, who was in Nigeria for undisclosed business engagements, has not publicly commented on the video.
His team confirmed to our reporter that he received minor medical checks at a nearby clinic in Sagamu and was discharged without injuries.
The Ogun State Police Command, through spokesman SP Omolola Odutola, said investigations into the crash were ongoing, blaming it on a burst tyre and speeding.
Usman, 38, a native of Auchi in Edo State who moved to the US as a child, holds dual citizenship and remains a pride of Nigerian sports.
His apology echoes past controversies, including online spats over his UFC losses, but this marks his first major public misstep tied to homeland issues.
Nigerian sports analyst Tunde Liadi told our correspondent: “Usman’s heart is Naija, but global stars like him must tread carefully. This could be a learning curve on cultural sensitivities.”
