Lagos, Oct. 11, 2025 (NAN) Nigeria’s Samuel Akinrolabu has won the overall gold medal at the just-concluded Mr Universe bodybuilding competition held at the MUSON Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, held on Oct. 11, featured athletes from over 12 countries. Participating nations included the United States, Ghana, Spain, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Niger, and Sierra Leone.
Akinrolabu, who represented Rivers, emerged the overall winner and earned a professional bodybuilding card. This qualifies him to compete in global IFBB Pro League contests.
Another Niger Delta athlete, David Zacheaus Gold of Ondo, also secured a professional card. Alfred Sogomote of Bayelsa clinched a bronze medal.
Inspector Edward Achi of the Nigeria Police, representing Kaduna, also won gold in his category.
President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Nigeria, Soye Elekima, praised the athletes’ performance.
“This victory is not only for the athletes but for the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria,” Elekima said.
“With these professional cards, our athletes now stand shoulder to shoulder with global icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former Mr Universe and two-time governor of California.”
He said the outcome reflected the growing success of grassroots bodybuilding programmes across the country.
“We are seeing the results of grassroots development in bodybuilding. What we need now is sustained investment to maintain this momentum.”
Elekima also announced key developments in Nigeria’s bodybuilding calendar.
“Nigeria will be hosting a professional event from next year,” he said.
“The pro qualifier attracted many athletes, but now it has been officially announced that Nigeria will host a pro event.”
“We are making a new set-up with the state associations.”
“We are also starting a Fitness and Bodybuilding League in April. This will be in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and other stakeholders and sponsors.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s growing international reputation in the sport.
“Nigeria’s rising prominence in bodybuilding and fitness is truly inspiring,” he said.
“With athletes like Samuel Dauda from Edo winning Mr Olympia, Andrew Jacks from Anambra placing third, and David Bodebi from Bayelsa leading the IFBB rankings, the country is clearly making significant strides.”
“Hosting a professional fitness and bodybuilding championship next year will provide a great platform to showcase Nigerian talent, attract international competitors, and promote the sport’s growth.”
“It’s an exciting development that could further elevate Nigeria’s status in the world of bodybuilding and fitness.”
The competition was sanctioned by the IFBB and attracted international judges and federation officials.(NAN)
