Nigeria has produced an incredible array of talent when it comes to Guinness World Records (GWR). Here are Eleven record holders:
Gbenga Ezekiel (Multiple Skipping Records)
From Akure, Ondo State, Gbenga Damilare Ezekiel is a rope-skipping sensation. He has broken several records in this category, including:
Most skips in one minute on one leg (265, later improved to 278).
Most double-under skips in one minute on one leg (144).
Additional titles in criss-cross and blindfolded skipping.
His achievements earned him a feature in the Guinness World Records 2025 book, proving that dedication to a niche skill can lead to global recognition.
Hilda Baci (Cooking Feats)
Hilda Effiong Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, ignited Nigeria’s GWR frenzy. She held the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual (93 hours 11 minutes in 2023, though later surpassed). In 2025, she reclaimed spotlight by setting the record for the largest quantity of jollof rice cooked at once (8,780 kg). Her efforts highlight Nigerian culinary pride and unity.
Chinonso Eche (Football Freestyle Mastery)
Chinonso Eche dominates football freestyle records, including:
Most consecutive football touches in one minute while balancing a ball on the head (111).
Fastest time to 1,000 football touches while balancing a ball on the head (7 min 46 sec).
Additional related titles in head-balancing tricks.
His skills combine precision, balance and endurance, making him one of Nigeria’s most prolific freestyle record holders.
Vincent Okezie (Football Tricks)
Young talent Vincent Okezie has secured at least five GWR titles in football tricks, including:
Most football ‘around the world’ tricks with arms linked (71).
Contributions to team records like consecutive passes while balancing.
He continues to push boundaries in freestyle football.
Modenine (Music Awards Legacy)
Rapper Babatunde Olusegun Adewale, known as Modenine, holds a record tied to his dominance in Nigerian music: winning seven “Lyricist on the Roll” Headies awards (2006–2011, 2013), plus others for best rap album and single. His GWR recognition celebrates lyrical prowess in hip-hop.
Chukwuebuka Ezugha (Freestyle and Team Records)
Chukwuebuka Ezugha excels in football juggling, holding titles such as:
Most football touches with the abdomen in one minute (152).
Team records like most consecutive head-to-sole passes (with partners).
His innovative abdominal juggling set a unique benchmark.
Bose Omolayo (Para Powerlifting)
Para-athlete Bose Omolayo has multiple heavy-lift records, including the heaviest para powerlift by a female in the -79 kg category (144 kg). She has consistently broken and held titles in international competitions, embodying strength and resilience.
These individuals represent just a fraction of Nigeria’s GWR legacy, which includes legends like Fela Kuti (most solo albums) and recent stars like Tunde Onakoya (longest chess marathon). Nigerians’ passion for breaking records reflects resilience, creativity, and a drive to shine globally. Who’s next to join this elite list? The spirit of “Naija no dey carry last” lives on!
Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti’s musical legacy is marked by extraordinary creativity and productivity, as he released 46 albums as a solo artist over a span of 23 years. This remarkable output reflected his relentless dedication to music, activism and cultural expression. Through these albums, Fela consistently used Afrobeat as a powerful tool to address social injustice, political oppression and African identity, shaping a sound that influenced generations of artists worldwide. His ability to sustain such a prolific career while maintaining a strong, uncompromising message cemented his status as one of the most influential musicians in modern history.
Tunde Onakoya
In April 2024, a remarkable endurance feat was achieved with the Longest Chess Marathon, lasting an incredible 58 continuous hours. The marathon tested not only the players’ deep strategic thinking and concentration but also their physical and mental stamina over more than two days of nonstop play. Maintaining focus, accuracy and resilience for such an extended period highlighted the dedication and passion required at the highest levels of chess endurance. This achievement stood as a powerful demonstration of perseverance, discipline and love for the game, making it a memorable milestone in chess history.
Wizkid
Wizkid made history by becoming part of the first track to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify with “One Dance.” The global hit showcased his international influence and helped bring African music to a wider worldwide audience. This milestone not only highlighted Wizkid’s role in shaping contemporary pop and Afrobeat sounds but also marked a major moment for African artists on the global streaming stage.
Rema (Divine Ikubor)
In May 2023, a historic milestone was achieved when “Calm Down” became the first Afrobeat song to reach No. 1 on The Official MENA Chart. This groundbreaking achievement marked a moment that had not occurred before in the history of Afro music and represented a major victory for the Nigerian music industry. The success of the song highlighted the growing global influence of Afrobeat and underscored Nigeria’s role in shaping and exporting world-class music to international audiences.
What inspires you most about these achievements?
Final Thoughts
In the end, Nigeria’s love affair with Guinness World Records is a testament to the unbreakable Naija spirit , a blend of creativity, resilience and unyielding determination that turns ordinary talents into extraordinary global triumphs. From skipping ropes and football freestyles to culinary marathons and powerlifting feats, these achievers remind us that no dream is too big when fueled by passion and perseverance. As more Nigerians continue to push boundaries, the world watches in awe, proving once again that “Naija no dey carry last.” Keep inspiring, keep breaking records . The best is yet to come!
