Abuja: Nigeria is set to host the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Professional Championships in October 2026. This will be the country’s first professional bodybuilding event and will coincide with the launch of a national Fitness and Bodybuilding League.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the international professional bodybuilding event, along with the league’s commencement, represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s sports development agenda. Soye Elekima, President of the IFBB Nigeria, announced that the professional event in October and the league starting in April will feature various competitions, including the Gym league, LGA league, Regional league, All University league, National league, Pro Qualifier, and Pro Event league.
Elekima detailed that the IFBB’s decision follows the successful completion of the Mr Universe Nigeria competition, held from October 10 to October 12 at the Muson Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. He noted that the upcoming professional event is expected to attract elite athletes from Africa and beyond, while the new national league will create a structured pathway for Nigerian bodybuilders to advance from amateur to professional status.
He also mentioned that the initiative aligns with IFBB Nigeria’s broader objectives of promoting health, fitness, and sports entrepreneurship nationwide. Elekima explained that the league’s structure progresses from local to state, regional, and national levels, culminating in the ULTIMATE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, followed by the Pro Qualifier and Pro Event.
Elekima emphasized that the league, in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), NAN, and other stakeholders, aims to provide a platform for talent development and grassroots growth. The professional event will elevate Nigeria’s status on the global bodybuilding map by attracting athletes worldwide.
He highlighted the increasing international success of Nigerian athletes, such as Samuel Dauda, Andrew Jacks, and David Bodebi, as evidence of the country’s rising profile in the sport. Meanwhile, Samuel Akinrolabu of Rivers secured the overall gold medal at the Mr Universe Nigeria competition, which included participants from over 12 countries, including the U.S., Spain, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Akinrolabu, along with David Zacheaus Gold of Ondo, earned professional bodybuilding cards, qualifying them for global IFBB Pro League events. Alfred Sogomote of Bayelsa claimed bronze, while Nigeria Police officer Edward Achi, representing Kaduna, also won gold in his category.
Elekima commended the athletes’ accomplishments, viewing them as a testament to Nigeria’s growing investment in grassroots bodybuilding programs. The event was sanctioned by the IFBB and judged by international officials, further establishing Nigeria’s significance on the world bodybuilding stage.