FROM LAGOS TO THE WORLD: SHEHU BAMIDELE SETS 120-HOUR 8-BALL POOL RECORD

FROM LAGOS TO THE WORLD: SHEHU BAMIDELE SETS 120-HOUR 8-BALL POOL RECORD

By Jennifer Nwosu 

Lagos added a new highlight to its cultural calendar on September 7th, 2025, when the Silverbird Galleria became the stage for an extraordinary Guinness World Record attempt. Organized by Poolfest Naija and powered by Globus Bank as the official title sponsor, the city played host to five days of non-stop suspense, skill and sporting endurance.

At the center of it all was Shehu Bamidele, whose remarkable feat pushed the boundaries of human stamina. With unyielding focus, Shehu played 8-ball pool for an astonishing 112 hours straight, breaking the previous record of 111 hours. The project coordinator, Folajimi Abegunde, described him as “relentless and determined,” a fitting tribute to a performance that held audiences spellbound for nearly a week.

In a stunning twist, Shehu didn’t stop at 112 hours. Showing even greater resilience, he extended his run and pushed the record to 120 consecutive hours, cementing his place in history as not just a record breaker, but a trailblazer in endurance sports.

The atmosphere inside the Galleria was electric. Crowds of enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike gathered, mesmerized by Shehu’s mix of endurance and technical brilliance. Reflecting on his achievement, Shehu remarked that his feat is proof that Nigeria can command global attention through entertainment and recreation. He also thanked the organizers, Globus Bank, and other sponsors for their unwavering support.

For Poolfest Naija, the marathon was far more than a record attempt. It was a statement about Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class events. Coordinator of the event, Folajimi Abegunde, reiterated that with consistent support from the private and public sectors, such platforms can evolve into major attractions for sports tourism, drawing audiences from across the world.

Globus Bank’s role as title sponsor underscored the impact of private-sector partnerships in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape. Their backing helped elevate the event into an international moment, reinforcing the potential of collaborations between finance, recreation and culture.

With this milestone, Poolfest Naija continues to strengthen its reputation as a dynamic entertainment brand. Known for curating recreational games, competitions, and high-profile events, the platform has once again proven its ability to fuse leisure with spectacle. The successful Guinness World Record attempt not only cements its standing but also positions Nigeria as a rising hub for unconventional sports and global cultural experiences.