For over 10 years, bodybuilding athlete Samson Dauda from Nigeria has been training with passion and discipline on the weights, following a dedicated bodybuilder fitness plan.

He competes in the open class in bodybuilding and is now one of the most famous athletes in the IFBB, recognized as a true bodybuilder pro.

From Rugby to Weight Training – Dauda's Path to Bodybuilding

When he was a child, Dauda moved to the UK and was passionate about playing rugby. However, his idol, Phil Heath, inspired him to give up rugby and devote himself entirely to strength training.

To finance his bodybuilding career, he initially worked as a maintenance worker and in a nursing home.

His hard training, supported by effective bodybuilding coaching and a strict bodybuilder fitness plan, paid off: In 2017, Dauda won the overall victory at the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup Rome and secured his IFBB Pro Card.

Breakthrough on the Competition Stage

In 2020, Dauda decided to quit both of his jobs to fully concentrate on the sport and his competition preparation.

In 2021, he achieved his first major professional victory at the EVLS Prague Pro Show, qualifying him for the 2022 Mr. Olympia  and cementing his status as a bodybuilder pro.

He finished his Olympic debut in 6th place, but just a few weeks later he celebrated a sensational victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic.

In 2024, the sensation followed: Samson Dauda became the first Nigerian athlete to become Mr. Olympia, making history in international bodybuilding.

Samson Dauda – A Master of Posing

In addition to his massive physique and round muscles, Samson is particularly impressive with his unique posing routines. His performances on stage are characterized by passion, dedication and perfection.

Coach Changes and Personal Successes

Dauda was being prepared by Serbian coach Miloš Šarčev until March 2024, benefiting from top-tier bodybuilding coaching. Both announced via social media that the coaching relationship was over.

His wife Marlena Gustowska (“Marlenka”), who had always been at his side at the beginning of his career, took over the coaching and was the first woman to train a Mr Olympia winner.

Samson lives in the UK with his wife Marlenka and their dog. He is sponsored by “hostillesupps”, whose CEO is Fouad Abiad.

Samson can often be seen as a guest at competitions.