Explained: Guinness World Records obsession of Nigeria; a country otherwise known for rich sporting heritage

New Delhi: It is no mystery from when (and how) Nigeria got hooked on to this trend of attempting Guinness World Records. When 17-year-old Philip Solomon, who attempted to break the Guinness World record for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds, achieved the feat, little did she know that she will be setting off a movement! While her feat was less publicised, in May, there was another media frenzy that caught on following another GWR -breaking attempt by Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci. The restaurateur wanted to beat the 87-hour record set by Lata Tondon, for the world’s longest cooking time.

Believe it or not, Baci ended up cooking for a total of 100 hours. Although, it was officially logged (by the GWR) at 93 hours 11 minutes, she still managed to set a new record and also set a different sort of a fandom – some wanted to ape her determination, others just wanted to enter the GWR by hook or by crook. Ever since Baci’s feat, not a single day has passed without the digital clock on a dark screen signalling that someone, or a couple, is attempting a new world record in this part of the African country.

Baci is not the first Nigerian to attempt a record but it is her strange feat that received massive worldwide attention, so much so that that it led to the crash of GWR’s official website. It also ended up frustrating the officials at the GWR who issued a disclaimer saying that people should first apply before attempting to set a record. Whether this “polite reminder” was a cheeky dig at Nigerians who were taking up all sorts of records, especially after a masseuse collapsed while aiming to set a new record for the longest time spent massaging non-stop.

Quest for fame and recognition?

So, why do people engage in unusual challenges? According to psychiatrist Samir Parikh, people may want to win the Guinness World Records for various reasons: It can be a personal challenge to achieve something extraordinary or unique. While for some, it’s a way to gain recognition and fame, others might see it as a fun way to showcase their creativity.

“It is not right to read so much into the sudden obsession of a particular community towards entering the Guinness World Records; it could just be an urge to showcase hidden talents. In some cases, when the addiction becomes stronger, we have noticed that people take on unusual challenges so that they get a high out of achieving any feat,” he said.

In 2023 alone, Nigerians have been behind 10 feats. Chinonso Eche, for example, has set a new GWR for most consecutive football touches in one minute while balancing a football on the head with 111 touches. Meanwhile, popular musician, Oluwatobi Kufeji, tried to break a GWR in 2023. Tagged the Praiseworship-a-Thon, Kufeji’s attempt was to surpass the previous record for the longest singing marathon of 105 hours set by Indian singer, Sunil Waghmare, in 2012. The GWR mania did not stop at these attempts. In September, Tonye Solomon, a student of the Chukwuebuka Freestyle Academy, wanted to set a world record for most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head!

Another Lady announced on Instagram that she will be embarking on a contest to be on a live video for a staggering 125 hours. Identified Big_treshlyn, the lady, intended to set a record for the longest Instagram live video. She revealed that for the video, she will be cooking, matchmaking, and playing games. Professional wig maker, Helen Williams was also one of the several Nigerians who attempted and set a new world record in 2023. In November, the GWR announced that Williams was certified as the World Record Holder for the longest handmade wig.

Nigeria known for its sporting heritage…

It is not as though the country is short of record holders. There was Tobi Amusan, who won the Women’s 100 metres hurdles
and Gbenga Ezekiel, known for the most skips in a minute on one leg. Nigeria is a country with a rich sporting heritage, having produced several world-class athletes in various sports over the years, including Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, who is regarded as one of the most skilful players in the history of Nigerian football. He played for Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, and Fenerbahce and also has represented Nigeria in three World Cup tournaments.

Chioma Ajunwa is also among the notable Nigerian athletes who has won a gold medal in the long jump at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Ajunwa was the first Nigerian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, and her achievement inspired many young Nigerian athletes to pursue a career in sports.

The current favourite, Blessing Okagbare, also has many sporting feats to her name, having won several medals in the African Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Diamond League. Okagbare has represented Nigeria in several Olympics, and she holds the African record in the long jump.

…why then this obsession for unusual challenges?

For a country known for its sporting obsession, it is not difficult to fathom why Nigerians are chasing unusual challenges as a part of the Guinness World Records. Setting a record at the level of a GWR is sure to bring national and international recognition, boosting personal and national pride. Additionally, Nigerians see setting a world record as a way to promote their culture, traditions, and values. It can inspire and motivate others in the country to strive for excellence and push their limits.

Moreover, breaking a Guinness World Record can attract media attention, potentially boosting tourism and business opportunities in Nigeria.