From groundbreaking athletic performances to awe-inspiring feats of endurance, several Nigerians have etched their names in the Guinness World Records book. These achievements not only spotlight individual excellence but also showcase Nigeria’s diverse talent across sports, entertainment, and human endurance.
TJ News Nigeria reports that while some records were clinched decades ago, others are more recent—reminding the world that Nigerian excellence continues to shine on the global stage.
Below are 10 Nigerians who have officially held Guinness World Records:
1. Hilda Bassey Effiong (Hilda Baci)
- Record: Longest Cooking Marathon (Individual)
- Duration: 93 hours and 11 minutes
- Year: 2023
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- About: A Nigerian chef and media personality, Hilda Baci broke the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes. Her cook-a-thon drew national attention and trended across social media platforms.
2. Tobi Amusan
- Record: Fastest Time in 100m Hurdles (Women)
- Time: 12.12 seconds
- Year: 2022
- Event: World Athletics Championships, Oregon
- About: Amusan became the first Nigerian to set a world athletics record, shattering the previous time and solidifying her name as one of the greatest hurdlers in history.
3. Stephen Keshi
- Record: First African Coach to Win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a Player and a Coach
- Year: 1994 (Player), 2013 (Coach)
- About: While this unique feat is recognized by several international sports bodies including Guinness, Keshi’s dual achievement remains a historical first in African football.
4. DJ Obi (Obinna Ajuonuma)
- Record: Longest DJ Set (Marathon Club DJing)
- Duration: 240 hours (10 days)
- Year: 2016
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- About: DJ Obi played nonstop for 10 days, with only 2-hour breaks allowed every 12 hours. His record was a tribute to his late father and a statement of creative stamina.
5. Bayo Omoboriowo
- Record: Largest Photo Book
- Dimensions: 60.84 sq. meters (655.5 sq. ft.)
- Year: 2021
- About: Official photographer to President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayo’s massive photobook highlighted Nigerian culture and was presented during Nigeria’s 60th independence celebration.
6. Chidera Anemege (Chiddy of Chiddy Bang)
- Record: Longest Freestyle Rap
- Duration: 9 hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds
- Year: 2011
- About: Nigerian-American rapper Chiddy set the record at MTV’s “O Music Awards.” Though based in the U.S., his Nigerian roots are well known in the music industry.
7. Harrison Chinedu
- Record: Farthest Distance Traveled with a Football on the Head
- Distance: 48.04 km
- Year: 2016
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- About: The feat took over 6 hours and was achieved to raise awareness for African talent and balance training. Chinedu also cycled across Nigeria balancing a football on his head.
8. Gbenga Ezekiel
- Record: Most Skips in One Minute on One Leg
- Skips: 265
- Year: 2023
- About: A young Nigerian athlete, Ezekiel became a viral sensation for his rope skipping talent, securing a place in Guinness World Records for his remarkable footwork and stamina.
9. Adetunwase Adenle
- Records: Holder of 4 Guinness World Records
- Notable Feats:
- Largest Painting by the Highest Number of People (350,000 students)
- Largest Tooth Brushing Campaign
- Largest Painting on Canvas
- About: An educator and artist, Adenle holds the record for organizing mass educational and hygiene campaigns involving children and young people across Nigeria.
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10. Bose Omolayo
- Record: Heaviest Para Powerlift by a Female in -79 kg category
- Weight Lifted: 144 kg
- Year: 2021
- Event: World Para Powerlifting Championships
- About: Bose, a Paralympic gold medalist, shattered the previous record and remains a symbol of strength and resilience in Nigerian sports.
What you should know
These Nigerians have demonstrated that excellence knows no boundaries—whether in music, athletics, art, or endurance. Their stories continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians who aim to break limits and set new global standards.
