“I’ve been in Nigeria two times this year. In April and December.” Those were the happy words of Sina Evovle, Anthony Joshua’s strength and Conditioning Coach, who perished in the fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday, December 29, 2025.
The team had just touched down at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and were rolling their hand luggage to the waiting car when Latif Ayodele began to film proceedings.
Latif, also called Latz, filmed himself before turning the camera to Sina, hailing him and commenting that he has set foot on the streets of Nigeria.
Sina smiled and corrected him that he had actually been in Nigeria twice this year, first in April and now in December.
The bodies of the two men were mangled in the crash, which occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near the Makun axis of Ogun State.
Both men were more than just members of a convoy; they were trusted professionals and close companions who played vital roles in the boxer’s career and daily life.
Sina Evovle is known for his energy and passion. Evovle was deeply involved in preparing the boxer for upcoming bouts, including recent training sessions that had taken place just weeks earlier.
Latif, widely called “Latz” and known on Instagram as Healthy_Mindset, was Joshua’s personal trainer and a close friend.
A fitness enthusiast and physical trainer, he was also known within online communities for promoting discipline, wellness, and faith.
A practising Muslim, Latif had built a modest but dedicated following, with thousands now leaving condolence messages on his social media pages.
Although questions remain about their nationalities, Sina was reportedly of Syrian origin, while Latif’s background has not been fully confirmed. His last name, Ayodele, however, suggests that his ancestry can be traced to Nigeria.
What is clear is the impact both men had on those around them, as tributes continue to pour in from friends, colleagues, and followers across the world.
According to reports, Joshua was travelling to visit family when the Lexus SUV he was in collided with a stationary truck.
Five people were involved in the accident. While two lives were lost, Joshua survived and was later taken to the hospital alongside the driver for medical attention.
The tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over what was meant to be a private holiday for the boxing star.
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