Few athletes in the world of professional bodybuilding, where mass and beauty collide, have drawn attention as quickly as Samson Dauda. With his combination of size, perfect symmetry, and razor-sharp conditioning, Dauda, also known as the “Nigerian Lion,” has established himself as a formidable force on the Olympia stage.
His physique is a masterclass in controlled mass, weighing between 275 lbs (125 kg) during competition and up to 330 lbs (150 kg) during the offseason. He is a future legend in the making due to his quick ascent in the sport, which saw him place in the top ten at Olympia in 2022 and win the coveted title in 2024.
Samson Dauda: Stats, Bio, and Career Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samson Dauda |
| Nickname | The Nigerian Lion |
| Birthdate | March 11, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Residence | United Kingdom |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Stage Weight | 275 lbs (125 kg) |
| Offseason Weight | 330 lbs (150 kg) |
| Pro Debut | EVLS Prague Showdown, 2018 |
| Best Win | IFBB Mr. Olympia 2024 |
| Predecessor | Derek Lunsford |
| Coach | Marlena Gustowska |
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An Icon in Bodybuilding After Playing Rugby
Samson Dauda’s athletic background started in rugby, in contrast to many bodybuilders who begin lifting weights at a young age. He was an exceptional athlete due to his natural size and strength, but his teammates were the ones who initially urged him to attempt bodybuilding.
Dauda was initially disinterested and didn’t realize he had the capacity to compete at the highest level until he witnessed Phil Heath win the 2013 Mr. Olympia. He entered his first bodybuilding competition in 2014 as a result of that inspiration, and he not only competed but also won outright, which is uncommon in the industry. Bodybuilding became his life’s passion after that.
The Exercises That Helped Samson Dauda Develop His Olympia-Winning Body
Dauda’s training is intended to provide both mass and refinement, as he stands 5’11” and weighs more than 300 pounds during the offseason. To keep his body dense and attractive, he concentrates on high volume, controlled contractions, and heavy compound lifts.
Leg Training: An Intense Program for Optimal Development
Dauda’s quad sweep and hamstring detail are among the best in the sport, thanks to his intense leg workouts that emphasize high reps, controlled movements, and deep contractions.
- Leg Extension – 5 sets of 15-20 reps
- Seated Leg Curl – 5 sets of 20 reps
- Leg Press – 5 sets of 15-20 reps
- Smith Machine Squats – 5 sets of 12-15 reps
Strict form and a deep stretch are used in every exercise to guarantee complete muscle activation while lifting heavy weights.
Back Day: The Width and Thickness Blueprint
Dauda’s back development is one of his strongest attributes, giving him a dominant presence on stage. His back workouts focus on heavy lifting with precise control.
- Narrow Grip Pulldown & Rope Pullovers – 3-4 brutal supersets
- Wide Grip Neutral Pulldown – 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps, with a two-second hold
- Cable Row – 3-4 sets of 10 reps, plus 2 sets until failure
- Rack Pulls – 3-4 sets of 10 reps, increasing weight each set
- Hammer Strength Low Row – 3-4 sets of 10 reps, last set to failure
Dauda’s stage presence is unparalleled thanks to this training, which optimizes back width and thickness.
How Samson Dauda Keeps His Weight Under Control: Diet and Nutrition
Dauda maintains a carefully planned, high-calorie diet to keep his offseason weight of 330 pounds and his competition-ready weight of 275 pounds. Lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats are the main components of his diet plan because they promote endurance, muscle growth, and recovery.
A typical full day of eating includes:
- Meal 1: Oats, eggs, and fruit
- Meal 2: Chicken, rice, and vegetables
- Meal 3: Steak, sweet potatoes, and avocado
- Meal 4: Fish, quinoa, and asparagus
- Meal 5: Protein shake with almond butter
- Meal 6: Cottage cheese and mixed nuts
In order to optimize muscle growth, the off-season calorie intake rises dramatically, including more red meat, healthy fats, and calculated carb loading.
The Revolutionary Coaching Change
After 13 professional performances, Dauda made the historic decision to split from legendary coach Miloš Šarčev in March 2024. His new coach? The first woman in history to coach a Mr. Olympia champion is his wife, Marlena Gustowska.
Dauda made history on the 2024 Olympia stage with his best package to date after honing his conditioning and posing skills under Gustowska’s tutelage. One of the most talked-about coaching changes in bodybuilding history, this change demonstrated how a new viewpoint can have a profound impact at the highest level.
Why Bodybuilding’s Future Belongs to Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda is only 38 years old and just starting out. Legends like Lee Haney and Phil Heath have been compared to him because of his unique combination of size, structure, and presentation. But his capacity for constant improvement is what really sets him apart from the others.
Dauda is expected to rule the sport for many years to come for the following reasons:
Unrivaled Symmetry & Size: One of the few bodybuilders who can lift more than 300 pounds without looking unattractive. Expert Posing: His ability to confidently and precisely display his body is revolutionary. Unstoppable Progress: He went from the top 10 in 2022 to the title of champion in 2024. Unbreakable Mindset: Dauda has an unmatched work ethic, discipline, and dedication.
The Nigerian Lion isn’t finished yet, even though he has won the Olympia Games. His next objective? establishing a reputation as one of the all-time great bodybuilders.