Ogun Crash: Global Spotlight Shifts to Two Coaches Lost in Anthony Joshua Road Tragedy
The Global boxing Community is mourning the loss of two key members of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s inner circle following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash, attention has increasingly turned to the lives and contributions of the two men who died alongside the boxing icon’s convoy.
The victims, identified as Latif, popularly known as “Latz,” and Sina Evovle, were not just members of Joshua’s travelling team but long-time associates who played critical roles in his training and personal development.
Global Mirror News reports that both men were respected coaches and close friends of the British-Nigerian boxer, whose survival has been described by officials as miraculous.
Sina Evovle served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and was deeply involved in preparing the former champion for recent bouts, including his highly publicised fight preparations in the United States.
Evovle, originally from Syria, was said to be full of optimism upon arriving in Lagos with the team in the early hours of Monday.
He had shared videos on social media documenting their arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, posts that have since become a poignant reminder of his final hours.
Latif, widely known within fitness circles as “Healthy_Mindset,” was Joshua’s personal trainer and a trusted confidant.
A devout Muslim with a growing online following of more than 11,000 on Instagram, Latif was admired for promoting discipline, wellness and faith-based motivation.
While details of his Nationality were still being clarified at the time of reporting, tributes from across the Muslim community and the global fitness industry have continued to pour in, filling his social media pages with messages of condolence.
According to Nigerian emergency officials, the crash occurred shortly after 11am along the busy Makun axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when a Lexus SUV in which Joshua was travelling collided with a stationary truck. Five occupants were involved in the accident.
Images released by authorities showed the SUV severely mangled, with its roof crushed and doors torn apart, while another vehicle believed to be part of the convoy was seen parked nearby with minimal damage.
Global Mirror News gathered that Joshua, who was seated behind the driver, survived the impact and was later seen being attended to by emergency responders.
Video footage circulating online showed the visibly shaken boxer sitting amid shattered glass moments after the crash. Despite the severity of the collision, he sustained no life-threatening injuries.
Two of the five occupants, however, were pronounced dead at the scene, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a private holiday visit for the 36-year-old athlete.
Joshua had reportedly been on his way to see family members and had shared light-hearted moments, including a video of playing table tennis, just hours before the tragedy.
Condolences have since come in from across Nigeria and beyond, including messages from political leaders, sports figures and fans worldwide.
The Ogun State Government and other prominent voices have expressed sympathy to Joshua and the families of the deceased, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
For many around the world, Global Mirror News notes that the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for global sports icons, and underscores the often-overlooked contributions of the coaches and support staff who stand behind celebrated champions.
