LAGOS—In what promises to be one of the most ambitious individual sporting feats ever attempted in Nigeria, Prince Scott Oritsejemineyin Igbene, a member of one of the royal houses of the Itsekiri Kingdom of Warri in Delta State, has announced plans to break two Guinness World Records in the game of pool simultaneously.

The 50-something-year-old Lagos-based pool enthusiast, who has played the sport for nearly four decades, will attempt to play pool for 125 consecutive hours—breaking the current world record of 111 hours held by a Turkish player—and also compete against over 200 different opponents in the process, thereby setting another world record for the most opponents played in a single continuous session.

The event is scheduled to hold from Tuesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 20, 2025, at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in Lagos, with several Nigerian celebrities, comedians, and public figures confirming their participation either as spectators or challengers in the marathon.

Inspired by Childhood Passion

Speaking to Vanguard, Prince Igbene recalled how his love for pool began at the tender age of 13 when he first encountered a pool table at his uncle’s house. According to him, it was during these early days that people began to notice his natural flair for the game.

“I’ve been playing pool for around 38 years now. It’s not just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion. I’ve competed in multiple tournaments both locally and internationally, and I’ve come to appreciate how powerful this sport can be in connecting people,” he said.

Guinness Gives Green Light

Unlike some other record-seeking attempts in the country, which drew criticism for bypassing proper channels, Prince Igbene confirmed that formal communication has been established with the Guinness World Records headquarters in the UK, and official approval has been granted for the attempt.

“Our team is in touch with Guinness World Records. They’ve given us the go-ahead, and we’re following every guideline to the letter,” he explained, adding that the process has been “smooth and hassle-free.”

He further clarified that contrary to popular belief, Guinness guidelines allow for short breaks at pre-arranged intervals during endurance records, allowing players to rest briefly before continuing.

125 Hours, 200 Opponents, One Man

The six-day event is designed to start at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15 and is expected to conclude by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Over the course of the attempt, Igbene will face off with a lineup of over 200 opponents, including professional pool players, members of the Cue Sports Association of Nigeria, and a wide array of celebrity guests and enthusiasts.

Among the celebrities who have already confirmed participation are Alibaba, AY, Akpororo, Destalker, Josh2Funny, DeeOne, Oluwa Dollars, Deyemi, Kate Henshaw, Moyo Lawal, Sotayo Gaga, Nelson Lack, Sexy Steel, and Orezi, among others.

“Some of these celebrities are coming to play; others are simply coming to support. I’m using this platform to invite more patriotic Nigerians—celebrity or not—to come out and support the sport. Even if you’re not a skilled player, just come out and be part of history,” he urged.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Attempting to play pool non-stop for over five days is no small feat, and Prince Igbene says he has taken the challenge seriously, including embarking on a weight loss journey as part of his preparation.

“At the start of the year, I weighed 135kg. As of today, I’ve brought that down to 114kg, and I’m targeting 100kg before July. This is about discipline, not just physical strength,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of endurance, mental alertness, and emotional fortitude, noting that his team is putting in place support systems to manage nutrition, rest periods, and health monitoring during the event.

The historic attempt is being organised by DUNKIT/True Patriot Brands in collaboration with the Cue Sports Association of Nigeria, Oxford Blue Limited, Chrone, and the Rhoda Johnson Media Company.

While sponsorship deals are still being firmed up, Prince Igbene said talks are ongoing with several brands and corporate organisations, with announcements expected soon.

In addition to the world record attempt, the event will feature Nigeria’s biggest-ever pool competition, with participants vying for a grand prize, as well as opportunities to play against celebrities and even the record-attempting Prince himself.

Other side attractions will include raffle draws, musical performances, stand-up comedy, and various entertainment acts to keep audiences engaged throughout the six-day marathon.