Nigerians Who Have Earned Guinness World Records

Explore the fascinating achievements of Nigerians who have made their mark in the Guinness World Records. From Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, to Femi Kuti’s record-breaking saxophone note, discover how these extraordinary individuals have brought global recognition to Nigeria across a diverse range of fields.

1. Aliko Dangote – Wealthiest AfricanAliko Dangote, a Nigerian business magnate, is the wealthiest person in Africa. As of my last knowledge cutoff in 2021, his estimated net worth was $11.5 billion. Dangote made his fortune in several industries, but he is most well-known for his company, Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer in Africa. His place in the Guinness World Records underscores the rising economic power of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
2. Chinedu Harrison – Longest Distance Walked with a Football on the HeadChinedu Harrison, a Nigerian athlete, holds the record for the longest distance walked with a football on the head, an astonishing 48.04 kilometers. This feat, achieved in 2016, took place at the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria. Harrison surpassed the previous record held by Indian soldier Naib Subedar Azad Singh, who walked 45.64 kilometers in 2014.
3. Kafayat Shafau-Ameh (Kaffy) – Longest Dance Marathon by an IndividualKafayat Shafau-Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy, is a renowned Nigerian dancer and choreographer. In 2006, she broke the Guinness World Record for the “Longest Dance Marathon by an Individual.” She led her team to dance for 52 hours and 3 minutes, a feat that brought international attention to the vibrant dance culture in Nigeria.
4. Obi Ajuanumo – Largest Collection of SneakersObi Ajuanumo, a Nigerian sneaker enthusiast, has the largest collection of sneakers. He has over 2,020 different pairs of sneakers, which he started collecting in the 1980s. His collection has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest.
5. Harrison Chinedu – Most Consecutive Football Touches in One Minute While Balancing a Football on the HeadAnother record held by Harrison Chinedu is for the most consecutive football touches in one minute while balancing a football on the head. In 2019, he completed 111 touches, breaking the previous record.
6. Stephen Keshi – Second African Coach to Win Africa Cup of NationsWhile Stephen Keshi, a former Nigerian footballer and coach, is not officially listed in the Guinness World Records, he has a significant achievement that’s worth noting. He is the second African coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations, leading the Nigerian team to victory in 2013. He is also one of only two people, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach.

7. Femi Kuti – Single Note on a SaxophoneFemi Kuti, the son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti, set a world record in 2017 for the longest single note held on a saxophone in a method called circular breathing. He sustained the note for an impressive 51 minutes and 35 seconds during a concert at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. This achievement puts him in the world record books and continues his father’s legacy in Nigerian music history.
8. Bashiru Abdullahi – Tallest DrumIn 2010, Bashiru Abdullahi, a Nigerian artist, sculpted the world’s tallest drum. The drum measured 17 feet and 7 inches in height and 9 feet in diameter. This monumental piece of art is not only a testament to Abdullahi’s skill and creativity but also a tribute to the rich musical culture of Nigeria.
9. Emeka Nelson – Creator of the First Water-Powered GeneratorWhile not an official record holder in the Guinness World Records, Emeka Nelson’s achievement is significant and worth noting. He created a generator that runs solely on water, an innovative solution that could have significant environmental benefits. His invention highlights Nigeria’s potential for technological innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
10. David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido) – Most Viewed Nigerian Music Video on YouTubeDavid Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a renowned Nigerian musician. His music video for the song “Fall” has earned over 200 million views on YouTube, making it the most-viewed Nigerian music video on the platform. This accomplishment demonstrates the global reach and popularity of Nigerian music.
11. Dr. Olawunmi Felicia Adewumi – Largest Collection of CurrencyDr. Olawunmi Felicia Adewumi holds the record for the largest collection of different currencies. As of 2021, she had collected banknotes from 320 different countries, which she started collecting in 2010. This remarkable collection highlights the interconnectedness of global economies and Nigeria’s role within it.
12. Nigeria’s Super Eagles – First African team to win the Olympic Gold in FootballAlthough not an individual achievement, Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, earned a Guinness World Record as the first African team to win the Olympic Gold in Football. The victory occurred during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA.

These diverse accomplishments further highlight the remarkable talents and skills of Nigerians in various fields, from music and art to sports, innovation, and beyond. Their achievements have not only brought global recognition to Nigeria but have also inspired generations to dream big and aim high.