Mr Flex Nigeria 2025:  Saka crowned champion as organisers seek greater support for Global Ambitions

Mr Flex Nigeria 2025: 

Saka crowned champion as organisers seek greater support for Global Ambitions

Beneath the historic arches of Freedom Park, Lagos, Nigeria’s bodybuilding elite gathered on Saturday November 8, 2025, for the 13th edition of MR FLEX NIGERIA Championship — a competition that has grown beyond a physique contest into a national movement promoting discipline, youth empowerment, and international sporting ambition.

Organised by Steco Productions in collaboration with World Fitness Federation Nigeria, the championship continues to serve as Nigeria’s primary platform for identifying, grooming, and projecting athletes to global stages under the World Fitness Federation (WFF).

The championship organised by Steco Productions being headed by Stephen Okolie- Odene, a fitness and sport promotion expert and current President of WFF- Nigeria.

At the peak of the evening’s contest, Rilwan Saka emerged Overall Winner after clinching Gold in the Heavyweight category, defeating Ejiofor Ihuoma and Abubakar Umar in a fiercely competitive finale.

While the crowd celebrated physiques sculpted through years of sacrifice, organisers insist the deeper goal of Mr Flex Nigeria is nation-building through sport.

According to the national  coordinator Stephen Okolie the championship was established to: Discover and nurture bodybuilding talents across Nigeria, provide structured competition pathways to international events, promote healthy lifestyles and fitness culture, create economic opportunities within the sports and wellness industry

Over 13 editions, the competition has steadily raised technical standards in judging, athlete conditioning, and stage presentation, positioning Nigeria as a serious contender within African bodybuilding circuits.

“Mr. Flex Nigeria is not just about trophies. It is about giving Nigerian athletes global exposure and building a sustainable fitness industry,” said Okolie- Odene.

Champions of the 13th Edition

Classic Bodybuilding

Gold – Samuel Agobi

Silver – Sogomate Alfred

Bronze – Quadri Baeb Olusegun

Men’s Physique Classic

Gold – Moses Maduakowam

Silver – Hammed Badmus

Bronze – Abdul Lateef Onilejiu

Ms. Flex Nigeria Glamour (Introduction Category)

Victory Okereke

Open Bodybuilding

Lightweight

Gold – Temyange Donatus

Silver – Yusufu Oriyomi

Bronze – Dominic Sam

Middleweight

Gold – Ugwu Theophilus

Silver – Rashammah Thans

Bronze – Wasiu Alabi

Heavyweight

Gold – Rilwan Saka

Silver – Ejiofor Ihuoma

Bronze – Abubakar Umar

Overall Rankings

Rilwan Saka – Mr. Flex Nigeria 2025

First Runner-up – Ejiofor Ihuoma

Second Runner-up – Abubakar Umar

The 2025 championship received notable support from corporate sponsors including Seven Up Nigeria Limited, i-Fitness Gym, Supa Komando, and C-Way Water whose contributions enhanced event production and athlete welfare.

However, organisers say significantly more investment is required for Nigeria to compete effectively on the international stage in 2026.

Nigeria is expected to field athletes at the upcoming 2026 World Fitness Federation championships in Cameroon from July 25-26,  the Africa championship in Ghana from 24-25, September,  and the Universe championship in  Germany from the 14-15, November. All these competitions demand funding for travel, kits, coaching support, and registration fees.

Without structured government assistance and expanded corporate sponsorship, officials warn that many talented athletes may miss the opportunity to represent the country.

“We have champions ready to compete globally, but international participation requires serious funding. Government and corporate Nigeria must see bodybuilding as a viable sport capable of bringing medals and prestige to the country,” a federation representative said.

Sports development advocates argue that bodybuilding remains underfunded despite its growing grassroots appeal and youth engagement potential. With rising gym culture across major cities and increasing public interest in wellness, stakeholders believe Nigeria stands at the threshold of building a strong global presence in physique sports.

They are urging the Federal Ministry of Sports, state governments, and private-sector partners to provide structured sponsorship packages, grants, and institutional recognition to help athletes prepare adequately for the 2026 international championships.

As the lights dimmed at Freedom Park and medals were presented, one truth stood tall: Nigeria’s bodybuilding talent is undeniable. What remains is the collective will — from government and industry — to power these champions onto the world stage