MEET Samson Dauda, first Nigerian athlete who ruled the world to win Mr Olympia

Nigerian-born United Kingdom (UK) bobybuilder, Samson Dauda has claimed the 2024 Mr. Olympia.

Dauda won the competition over the weekend at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, United States (US).

Meet Samson Dauda, first Nigerian athlete to win Mr Olympia
The victory has seen him emerge as the first athlete of Nigerian origin to achieve the feat in the history of the sport, after securing the third position last year.

However, Iranian bodybuilder, Hadi Choopan finished as runner-up, while American Derek Lunsford finished in third place.

The Mr. Olympia title is awarded annually to the winner of the open division professional men’s bodybuilding competition at the Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, endorsed by the International Fitness and BodyBuilding Federation (IFBB) Professional League.

Who is Samson Dauda?
Samson Dauda, born on March 11, 1992, has made a name for himself in the world of bodybuilding, achieving widespread recognition for his accomplishments.

Known as the “Nigerian Lion,” Dauda has built a strong social media presence, amassing nearly 1 million followers, where he shares fitness tips and advice with his fans.

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Dauda moved to the UK as a teenager. While he initially played rugby, his teammates encouraged him to pursue bodybuilding, leading him to compete in his first competition in 2014.

Now, Dauda has reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning its most prestigious title, made famous by icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman, in the competition’s 60th year.

After finishing third in Mr. Olympia last year, Samson continues to rise in the bodybuilding world. He currently lives in the UK with his wife, Marlena, and their dog, Cerberus.