Ten years after Samson Dauda formally transitioned to competitive bodybuilding at the WABBA World Championships in 2014, the Lagos-born athlete has defied all odds to become the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to win the coveted Mr Olympia title in 2024.

Like many other prominent Nigerian athletes with dual nationality, Samson migrated to the United Kingdom in his teenage years but carried his roots with pride, embodied in the nickname —  “The Nigerian Lion.”  His journey to the elite ranks of bodybuilding took an unconventional path, following his initial preoccupation with rugby. Samson’s imposing physique as a rugby player sparked interest among teammates and gym owner Chris Jones, who urged him to test his limits in competitive bodybuilding.

However, it wasn’t until 2013, at the age of 21, that Samson gave in to the bodybuilding calling after witnessing seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath compete in person.

Samson placed second in his debut competition at the 2014 WABBA World Championships. He followed this up with an eighth-place finish at the 2015 IFBB Amateur Olympia UK, third and fourth places at the 2015 and 2016 IFBB British Championships, and fifth at the 2017 IFBB Amateur Arnold Classic Europe. His breakthrough came later that year when he secured his first victory at the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome.

Over the next few years, Samson competed in 24 events, falling out of the top 10 only once—at the 2018 IFBB Romania Muscle Fest Pro.

Samson Dauda’s Triumph at 2024 Mr. Olympia

Samson’s Mr. Olympia’s victory was a process that began in 2022, when he finished sixth in his debut outing. He improved to third in 2023, before he eventually came all out for the ultimate prize in the 60th anniversary of the competition in October 2024. His victory came just weeks after clinching the Men’s Open title at the 2024 IFBB Tsunami France Pro in Metz, France, in September. 

The 34-year-old’s victory was as gruelling as it was rewarding, having overcome former champions Hadi Choopan (2022) and Derek Lunsford (2023), who placed third and second, respectively. For his efforts, Samson also claimed a $600,000 prize — the largest payout in the competition’s history.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of Samson Dauda’s heroics is his wife, Marlena Gustowska, whose guidance has been his north star. Roughly a year after announcing their marriage in March 2023, Samson made a bold, poetic move by appointing her as his coach, replacing longtime mentor Miloš Šarčev, who had guided him through 13 professional tournaments. 

 

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This gutsy and poetic transition proved instrumental in capping Samson’s decade-long journey with a triumphant win — one that signals even greater achievements to come.