The lyrics of Flavour’s “Game changer” are so perfect to describe the recent achievement of Samson Dauda. So it is perfect for me to say “The Champion, The “Nigerian Lion” is here…” Someone is probably singing the whole song by now.

Samson Dauda’s story isn’t just about muscles and trophies, it’s a tale of grit, sacrifices, and the pursuit of a dream against the odds. Born on March 11, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, Dauda’s life took a dramatic turn when his family relocated to the United Kingdom during his teenage years. At first, bodybuilding wasn’t even on the radar, his focus was rugby.

You know what they say about life right? Truly, life has a funny way of redirecting passion. It was through his rugby teammates, along with encouragement from a local gym owner named Chris Jones, that Samson first dabbled with weights. The gym became more than just a place to work out but rather it became an escape, a second home. However, it wasn’t until he saw Phil Heath’s electrifying presence at the 2013 Mr. Olympia that something clicked within him. Samson realized his calling lay in competitive bodybuilding, and from that moment on, everything changed.

The Early Years: Balancing Dreams and Reality

Switching from rugby to bodybuilding was no easy feat. Samson wasn’t just a young man chasing a dream, he had bills to pay. For years, he worked long hours in construction and as a care assistant, squeezing in gym sessions between shifts. Training was grueling, and progress often felt slow. Still, the dream persisted. He knew that greatness wouldn’t come overnight, and he was willing to endure the struggle.

In 2014, he entered his first bodybuilding competition. Though the results were fair, he showed flashes of potential, placing 2nd at the WABBA World Championships in the Tall category. These early competitions were tough learning experiences, but they also fueled his desire to improve. In 2015 and 2016, he participated in national-level shows, where he took 3rd and 4th positions at the British Championships in the super heavyweight category. Despite these promising finishes, doubts began to creep in – was he chasing an impossible dream?

A Turning Point: Earning the Pro Card

Everything changed in 2017 when Samson earned his IFBB Pro card at the Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome. Winning the overall title wasn’t just a victory – it was validation. For the first time, Samson saw that his hard work was beginning to pay off. He wasn’t just competing anymore, he was now part of the elite, and with it came a new level of responsibility.

But professional bodybuilding brought its own set of challenges. Competing at the top level demanded more than just talent, it required financial support, expert coaching, and relentless dedication. In 2018, Samson made his professional debut at the EVLS Prague Showdown, where he came 5th position. While it wasn’t a very encouraging finish, it gave him a glimpse of the competition at the top. Yet, the years that followed were filled with more setbacks than successes.

The Lean Years: Battling Setbacks and Self-Doubt

Between 2018 and 2020, Samson struggled to make his mark. Injuries, underwhelming performances, and the financial strain of pursuing a bodybuilding career weighed heavily on his heavyweight career. He had moments of doubt, times when quitting seemed like the easier option. But Samson’s story was never going to be about quitting.

He dug deeper, restructured his training, and sought guidance from experienced coaches. The breakthrough came in 2021 when he returned to the EVLS Prague Pro and clinched his first professional victory. It was a hard-fought win, and it earned him a spot at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, where he made an impressive debut by finishing 6th. Now, the world has begun to notice Samson Dauda. He was no longer just another bodybuilder, he was a rising star.

A Year of Redemption: The 2023 Arnold Classic

In 2022, Samson found his place among the best. 2023 was the year he began his ascension to greatness. Winning the prestigious Arnold Classic in the United States was a monumental achievement. The victory wasn’t just about the prize money or the trophy, it was proof that he belonged among the world’s elite. Yet, despite his success, the biggest goal; the Mr Olympia crown, remained just out of reach. He finished 3rd at the 2023 Olympia, a remarkable improvement, but not the ultimate triumph he sought.

2024: The Champion The Lion is Here

The 2024 Mr. Olympia was a showdown like no other. The event, held at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, brought together the finest bodybuilders from around the world. Samson arrived with one goal in mind: to win. He knew the competition would be fierce, defeating champion Hadi Choopan and rising star Derek Lunsford were in peak condition. But Samson wasn’t just bringing size and aesthetics to the stage, he brought heart, perseverance, and years of struggle.

When the dust settled, Samson Dauda popularly known as “The Nigerian Lion,” stood victorious, surpassing Choopan and Lunsford to claim the Mr. Olympia crown. As he raised the Sandow trophy high above his head, the crowd erupted in applause, not just for the victory, but for the journey that led him there. Samson also earned the People’s Champion title, a fitting tribute to a man who had won the hearts of fans worldwide with his humility and determination.

A Dream Fulfilled

With this win, Samson Dauda became the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to claim the Mr. Olympia title. It was a historic moment, not just for him, but for the entire African bodybuilding community.

From the streets of Lagos to the world’s biggest bodybuilding stage, Samson Dauda’s journey is a typical definition of grit, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph. This achievement is a reminder that even when the road seems long and full of obstacles, the reward at the end is worth every step, and of course going home with a whopping sum of $600,000 is worth the wait.

This win is our win. From us, we say a fat congratulations to our Champion; Samson Dauda, for using his physique for a good course rather than indulging in crimes.

To know more about him, see here.