Samuel Ayeloja has finished fourth at the 24th Manhunt International competition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, giving Nigeria another strong result on the global male pageantry circuit.
The Lagos-born model reached the final four after progressing through three successive cuts, moving from the Top 20 to the Top 10 and then the Top 5 before taking the 3rd Runner-Up position.
The final was held on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 and Dylan Palmerini of France won the title, securing a second consecutive Manhunt International victory for his country. India and Puerto Rico occupied the other positions ahead of Ayeloja, while Vietnam finished as 4th Runner-Up.
Ayeloja had already distinguished himself before the final night. During the preliminary rounds, he won the Best Fashion Model Award, recognising his performance in the fashion and runway segments of the competition.
His appearance in Sri Lanka followed his national pageantry career in Nigeria. Ayeloja first competed as Mr Kwara at the Misters of Nigeria pageant before becoming Manhunt International Nigeria 2026, earning the right to represent the country at the international competition.
He arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of the official programme, allowing time to acclimatise and complete his training. His preparation focused on runway performance, physical presentation and the demands of the various stages of the contest.
The fourth-place finish also adds to Nigeria’s growing record at Manhunt International. Samuel Nwajagu made history by winning the title in 2024, while subsequent Nigerian representatives have continued to record notable results at the competition.
Ayeloja is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days and The Misters of Nigeria Organisation is also expected to organise a reception following his return.
His final ranking, alongside the Best Fashion Model Award, gives Nigeria two crucial results from the 2026 edition and places Ayeloja among the leading contestants at this year’s competition.
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