Samson Dauda has defied expectations to become the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to win the coveted Mr. Olympia title.
By Tuka Letura
In the world of professional bodybuilding, few names have risen as swiftly and dramatically as Samson Dauda. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on 11 March 1992, Dauda has defied expectations to become the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to win the coveted Mr. Olympia title. His 2024 victory in the sport’s most prestigious competition was not only a personal triumph but also a cultural milestone, bridging continents as he claimed the title for both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing between 275 and 330 pounds, depending on the stage of competition, Dauda cuts an imposing figure. Dubbed “The Nigerian Lion”, his path to bodybuilding superstardom was anything but typical. Moving to the UK during his teenage years, his early focus was not on muscle, but on rugby. However, it was the weight room, rather than the pitch, that ultimately captured his attention.
The 34-year-old’s introduction to bodybuilding came by chance. Encouraged by his rugby teammates and a gym owner, Chris Jones, he soon realised that his natural strength and physique were more suited to individual competition. In 2013, a visit to the Mr. Olympia contest—where he watched the legendary Phil Heath dominate—provided him with the spark to pursue bodybuilding seriously. By April 2014, Samson Dauda entered his first competition, marking the beginning of his journey to the elite ranks.

Earning his International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Pro card in 2017 after clinching the overall title at the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome, Samson Dauda’s professional career began to gain momentum. A year later, in 2018, he made his professional debut at the EVLS Prague Showdown, placing 5th.
His first professional victory, however, did not come until 2021 at the EVLS Prague Pro. This win not only elevated his profile but also secured his spot in the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition, where he finished an impressive 6th in his debut.
Samson Dauda’s career surged forward in 2021 when he won the EVLS Prague Pro, further solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with. That same year, he finished second in the Romania Muscle Fest Pro. In 2024, everything came together.
In the lead-up to this year’s Mr. Olympia competition, Samson made the bold decision to part ways with his long-time coach, Milos Sarcev, and instead enlisted the guidance of his wife, Marlena Gustowska. This unexpected move left many questioning whether it was a risky gamble or a masterstroke.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympia, Samson Dauda also chose to compete at the IFBB France Pro, viewing it as a warm-up event under his new coaching arrangement. This decision sparked further debate, as few athletes had taken such an approach before, leaving many to wonder if it would pay off.
It did. With poise, mass, and balance, Dauda outshone previous champions Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford to eventually claim the 2024 Mr. Olympia crown, in a performance that also earned him the People’s Champion title.
The achievement has cemented Samson Dauda as one of the leading figures in bodybuilding’s modern era. His win carries significance beyond sport, marking a major achievement for athletes of African descent in a space long dominated by Western competitors. Dauda, now both a British and Nigerian icon, has embraced his role as a trailblazer, inspiring countless fans and athletes in the process.

Behind the physique, Dauda’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and cross-cultural influence. The transition from Lagos to London, from rugby to bodybuilding, and from amateur to Mr. Olympia reflects a unique blend of tenacity and adaptability. In a sport where mass and muscle often take centre stage, Dauda’s journey reminds us that heart, discipline, and identity are just as important.
For now, it is time to recover and look forward to future competitions, as always.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.