Nigeria is to host the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness West Africa Championships in April 2026, marking its first professional bodybuilding event and the launch of a national Fitness and Bodybuilding League.

The international professional bodybuilding event and the commencement of the league would mark a major stride in the country’s sports development agenda. 

President of the IFBB Nigeria, Soye Elekima, disclosed this on Monday.

Elekima explained that the IFBB’s decision followed the successful conclusion of the Mr Universe Nigeria competition, held from October 10 to 12 at the Muson Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to him, the upcoming professional event will attract elite athletes from across Africa and beyond, while the new national league will create a structured pathway for Nigerian bodybuilders to progress from amateur to professional ranks.

He added that the initiative aligns with IFBB Nigeria’s broader goal of promoting health, fitness, and sports entrepreneurship across the country.

“Nigeria will be hosting a professional event in April 2026,” stated Mr Elekima. “We are also starting a Fitness and Bodybuilding League in April, in partnership with the National Sports Commission, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, NAN, and other key stakeholders.”

Mr Elekima said the league would provide a platform for talent development and sustained grassroots growth, while the professional event would place Nigeria on the global bodybuilding map, drawing athletes from across the world.

He highlighted the country’s rising profile in the sport, citing the international success of Nigerian athletes such as Samuel Dauda, Andrew Jacks, and David Bodebi.

Meanwhile, Samuel Akinrolabu of Rivers clinched the overall gold medal at the Mr Universe Nigeria competition, which featured athletes from over 12 countries, including the U.S., Spain, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.

Mr Akinrolabu, alongside David Zacheaus Gold of Ondo, earned a coveted professional bodybuilding card, qualifying both to compete in global IFBB Pro League events.

Alfred Sogomote of Bayelsa won bronze, while Nigeria Police officer Edward Achi, representing Kaduna, also secured gold in his category.

Mr Elekima praised the athletes’ achievements, describing them as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing investment in grassroots bodybuilding programmes.

The event was sanctioned by the IFBB and judged by international officials, cementing Nigeria’s increasing importance on the world bodybuilding stage.

(NAN)