Nigerian-Born Bodybuilder Returns to Olympia Podium After Strong 2026 Campaign.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — September 30, 2026
Nigerian-born bodybuilding star Samson Dauda has finished second in the Men’s Open division at the just-concluded 2026 Mr. Olympia, held in Las Vegas, United States.
Dauda, the 2024 Mr. Olympia champion, delivered a strong performance to secure the runner-up position behind American bodybuilder Nick Walker, who claimed his first Mr. Olympia title. Derek Lunsford finished third, while Andrew Jacked and Tonio Burton completed the top five.
According to the published scorecard, Walker finished with 18 points, Dauda with 20 points and Lunsford with 24 points, with the lower score determining the final placing. Dauda also produced the strongest score in the Saturday night finals, although Walker’s advantage from prejudging was enough to secure the overall championship.
The result marks Dauda’s return to the Mr. Olympia podium after he placed fourth in 2025. He entered this year’s competition in strong form after winning the 2026 Europa Pro Men’s Open earlier in September, setting the stage for another serious challenge for the Olympia crown.
Following the competition, Dauda expressed pride in his performance, saying the physique he brought to the stage represented the best version of himself and his team’s work. He also thanked his team and supporters for their contribution to his campaign.
Although he did not reclaim the title, Dauda’s second-place finish keeps him firmly among the leading figures in professional bodybuilding and adds another major podium achievement to his career.
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