Nigeria is set to make a major mark on the international bodybuilding scene by hosting the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) West Africa Championships in April 2026. This event will be Nigeria’s first professional bodybuilding competition, coinciding with the launch of a national Fitness and Bodybuilding League to promote talent development.
President of IFBB Nigeria, Soye Elekima, revealed the exciting news, highlighting the success of the recent Mr Universe Nigeria event as a springboard. The upcoming championship will showcase elite athletes from across Africa and beyond, while the new league creates a clear pathway for Nigerian bodybuilders advancing from amateur to pro levels.
Elekima emphasized the initiative’s role in boosting health, fitness, and sports entrepreneurship nationwide. He called for collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and other stakeholders to foster the sport’s growth.
Top Nigerian athletes like Samuel Dauda, Andrew Jacks, and David Bodebi are raising the country’s profile globally. Notably, Samuel Akinrolabu won the overall gold at Mr Universe Nigeria, earning a prestigious pro card along with David Zacheaus Gold, enabling them to compete internationally.
The event, officially sanctioned by IFBB and judged by international officials, solidifies Nigeria’s position as a rising powerhouse in the bodybuilding world.
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