“There are so many talented Nigerians who keep on proving that hard work, determination and creativity can earn global recognition.
Several Nigerians have set global records in varied sectors ranging from food and education to sports, art and entertainment, The Nation writes.
They have proved that world records are not just for sportsmen or celebrities. These Nigerians have shown that passion and perseverance can be transformed into global renown through cooking, chess, dance, athletics, art, travel and innovation.
Here are some Nigerians who have smashed global records and the remarkable accomplishments that earned them international recognitions:
1. Longest cooking marathon – Hilda Baci
In May 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci made headlines when she cooked for four consecutive days in Lagos.
She cooked for 100 hours, with Guinness World Records officially certifying 93 hours and 11 minutes of continuous cooking, breaking the previous record.
During the marathon, Baci made more than 100 pots of food and this feat created a buzz all throughout Nigeria and gave rise to what is now known as the “Baci effect”.
Baci made it back into the record books in September 2025 when she worked with Gino Nigeria to prepare the largest plate of Nigerian-style jollof rice at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The huge pot weighed 8,780kg (19,356lb 9oz) and generated around 16,600 plates of jollof rice.
For the record-breaking bid, she utilised 4,000kg of basmati rice, 164kg of goat meat and 600kg of jollof pepper mix.
In early 2026, Guinness World Records told Baci the same attempt also counted as the biggest serving of rice overall.
The distinction made Baci the first ever three-time Guinness World Records holder.
In June 2026 she was also awarded a GWR Icon by GWR for her impact on global record-breaking culture.
2. Tunde Onakoya – The longest chess marathon
In April 2024, Chess expert and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, grabbed global headlines for playing chess for almost 64 hours straight with his playing partner in New York. His objective was more than just setting the record, it was about raising awareness and funding to help children’s education across Africa.
3. Kaffy – The longest dance party
In 2006, Nigerian professional dancer Kafayat Shafau better known as Kaffy made history by setting the Guinness World Record for Longest Dance Party after dancing for almost 55 hours.Africans & Their Diaspora
Her accomplishment assisted in raising the status of professional dancing in Nigeria.
4. Tonye Solomon – Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head
Tonye Solomon shocked the globe when he broke a Guinness globe Record for climbing the most stairs on a ladder while balancing a football on his head. In 2021, he gained worldwide attention with his extraordinary balance, concentration and determination.
5. Chinonso Eche – Most football touches while balancing another football on your head:
Chinonso Eche, often known as “Amazing Kid Eche”, broke a Guinness World Record in 2021 by performing the most consecutive football touches while balancing a football on his head, showing off his incredible football freestyle talents.
6. Vincent Okezie – Tours to see seven continents
In 2023, travel enthusiast Vincent Okezie entered the record books by journeying around all seven continents in record time. His feat was a proof of his stamina, his skills at planning, and his love of discovery.
7. Dr. Fola David – Largest draw by one person
Dr. Fola David, a visual artist and medical doctor, made history in 2024 when he created one of the largest artworks ever made by a single person. His masterpiece was internationally acclaimed and honoured the rich culture and diversity of Nigeria.Africans & Diaspora
8. Chukwuebuka Ezugha – Most football headers in 60 seconds
In 2023, football freestyler Chukwuebuka Ezugha set a Guinness World Record for most football headers in one minute, showing off his impressive skill, speed and endurance.
9. Bayo Omoboriowo – International photographic recognition
On September 30, 2021, Nigeria set the world record for the largest photo book ever created. The gigantic book, a partnership by TheJTAgency, renowned photographer Bayo Omoboriowo and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, measures 60.84 square metres. It’s a giant version of Discover Nigeria and was officially verified in the capital city of Abuja.
10. Peter Aho – Record in Cricket Bowling
In 2021, Nigerian player Peter Aho made international headlines when he became the first bowler in T20 International cricket to take a seven-wicket haul while conceding just five runs in a match. The performance still stands as one of the finest bowling statistics in the history of the event.Africans & Diaspora
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