Lagos witnessed history on the 7th of September, 2025, at the Silverbird Galleria as Poolfest Naija, in collaboration with Globus Bank as the official title sponsor, hosted a Guinness World Record attempt that kept the city abuzz for five straight days.
Shehu Bamidele, the star of the event, etched his name into the global record books by playing 8-ball pool for an astonishing 120 consecutive hours, surpassing the previous world record of 111 hours and even topping his earlier mark of 112 hours. His feat, described as “indefatigable and superhuman” by the project coordinator, left spectators spellbound as he demonstrated not only endurance but also top-tier pool mastery.
The atmosphere at the Galleria was electric as supporters and enthusiasts watched Shehu’s relentless determination unfold. When the clock finally hit the 120-hour mark, the crowd erupted in wild celebration. A visibly exhausted Shehu, speaking through one of the organizers, expressed his joy, resilience and gratitude, noting that his achievement was as much a personal triumph as it was a victory for Nigeria.
Speaking after his triumph, Shehu emphasized that such platforms highlight the country’s untapped potential for global recognition in leisure and sports entertainment.
Folajimi Abegunde, the project coordinator of Poolfest Naija, emphasized that the marathon was more than a record-breaking attempt; it was a statement about Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class recreational events. He said that with activities like these, Nigeria can position itself as a hub for sports tourism if corporate organizations and government agencies step up to support.
As the official title sponsor, Globus Bank played a pivotal role in making the event possible, showcasing how private-sector partnerships can foster cultural and entertainment milestones.
Poolfest Naija has steadily built a reputation as a one-stop entertainment platform, hosting recreational games, competitions and large-scale events. The success of this Guinness World Record attempt not only cements its place in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape but also represents another major global win for Nigeria, underscoring the nation’s ability to excel in unconventional sporting feats.
