Being the most populous black country in the world, Nigeria is known for her diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant music scene. However, Nigerians have also made their mark in the Guinness World Records, breaking impressive records and achieving incredible feats.
From dancing marathons to reading marathons, Nigerians have demonstrated their determination, creativity, and resilience.
In this blog post, we will highlight 20 amazing Guinness World Records that have been broken by Nigerians, showcasing the country’s talent, ingenuity, and passion.
Join us as we celebrate the achievements of Nigerians who have made history and inspired many around the world.
1. The longest cooking marathon by an individual: This record was achieved by Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, in Lagos, Nigeria on May 9, 2023. She cooked for 96 hours and 15 minutes, breaking the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon in India in 2019.
2. World Record for the longest DJ set ever: DJ Soul Yin broke the Guinness World Record for the longest DJ set ever. She played for 243 hours and 30 minutes at The Grill by Yanna, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria from September 20 to October 1, 2021. The previous record was held by DJ Obi, who played for 230 hours at the Sao Cafe in Lagos, Nigeria in 2016.
3. The most consecutive football passes with the soles (team of two): This record was achieved by Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria on December 18, 2021. They passed the ball between each other 198 times without using their hands.
4. The most football headers in a prone position in one minute: This record was achieved by Chinonso Eche in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria on October 13, 2021. He headed the ball 233 times in one minute while lying on his stomach.
5. The fastest time to 1000 football touches while balancing a ball on the head: This record was achieved by Chinonso Eche in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria on October 13, 2021. He touched the ball 1000 times in 7 minutes and 46 seconds while balancing it on his head.
6. The most consecutive football touches in one minute while balancing a ball on the head: This record was achieved by Chinonso Eche in Warri, Nigeria on November 14, 2019. He touched the ball 111 times in one minute while balancing it on his head.
7. The most skips in a minute on one leg: This record was achieved by Gbenga Ezekiel in Lagos, Nigeria on February 25, 2022. He skipped 200 times on one leg in one minute.
8. The first No.1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart: The Official MENA Chart is a weekly chart of the most popular songs in the Middle East and North Africa region. This record was achieved by Divine Ikubor aka Rema with his song “Calm Down” in December 2021. The song was the first to reach number one on the Official MENA Chart, which is the world’s first regional streaming chart.
9. The heaviest para power lift by a female in the -79 kg category: his record was achieved by Bose Omolayo in Lagos, Nigeria on December 10, 2021. She lifted 144 kg, breaking the previous record of 135 kg set by Alena Kovalchuk of Belarus in 2019.
10. The heaviest power lift by a female in the -86 kg category: This record was achieved by Folashade Oluwafemiayo in Lagos, Nigeria on December 10, 2021. She lifted 152.5 kg, breaking the previous record of 145 kg set by Tatiana Kashirina of Russia in 2015.
11. The most people to play the recorder at the same time: This record was achieved by 1,017 people in Abuja, Nigeria on October 1, 2019. The event was organized by the Nigerian Recorder Society to celebrate World Recorder Day.
12. Longest Dance Party: In November 2006, a group of Nigerian dancers led by Kaffy, broke the record for the longest dance party, dancing for 55 hours and 40 minutes.
13. Longest Reading Marathon: In February 2018, a Nigerian man named Bayode Treasures-Olawunmi set the world record for the longest reading marathon, reading for 120 hours straight.
14. Most People Playing Monopoly: In December 2012, a group of 605 Nigerian students set the record for the most people playing Monopoly at the same time.
15. Largest Football Jersey: In August 2018, a Nigerian company, “The Temple Management Company”, created the world’s largest football jersey, measuring 72.8 meters by 49.2 meters. They created the giant jersey to celebrate the launch of the new Nigerian national football team’s kit ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
16. Longest Journey by Skateboard: In August 2019, a Nigerian skateboarder named Faridat Idris traveled a distance of 12.874 km on a skateboard, setting a new world record.
17. Most People Brushing Their Teeth: In February 2014, a total of 13,380 Nigerian students gathered to brush their teeth at the same time, setting a new world record.
18. Largest Painting by Numbers: In September 2017, a group of Nigerian artists created the world’s largest painting by numbers, which measured 65 meters by 45 meters and had a total of 200,000 squares.
19. Largest Cake: In March 2014, a group of Nigerian bakers created the world’s largest cake, weighing in at over 6.5 tons.
20. Longest Fist Bump Chain: In July 2017, a group of Nigerian students set the world record for the longest fist bump chain, with a total of 331 participants.