Nigerian bodybuilder Samson Dauda is aiming to reclaim the Mr Olympia title after making history in 2024 as the first Nigerian to win the prestigious bodybuilding competition.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN, the UK-based athlete reflected on his journey, becoming the first Nigerian to win the Mr Olympia title, describing the achievement as an honour for both himself and Nigeria.

“There has only been one person from Nigeria that has ever won it, so to be able to stand here and say that is something that I have achieved; it is an honour. You know, it’s a title that every person who has ever dreamed of becoming a bodybuilder wants to win and stand on the Olympia stage,”  Dauda said.

The 40-year-old said he received messages from around the world following his victory, especially from Nigerians, who were proud of his achievement. He described the reactions as an “overwhelming moment”.

He revealed that one of his friends in the sport gave him the nickname the “Nigeria Lion,” which he has embraced as his career progressed, “embodying what it actually means”.

Dauda said the feat inspired young athletes to compete in the highest level of bodybuilding, adding that if another Nigerian had accomplished the goal before him, it would have driven him to push for the title and emulate that athlete.

He hoped to reclaim the title at the 2026 Mr Olympia, which will be held in September in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino Hotel, after claiming the title in 2024 and taking home the $600,000 grand prize.