Drogba, Sanwo-Olu to Feature as Lagos Hosts E1 World Championship

Drogba, Sanwo-Olu to Feature as Lagos Hosts E1 World Championship

By Admin 

 All is set for a historic weekend on the Lagos waterfront as the E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, makes its debut on African soil with the E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

The penultimate race of the inaugural season will take place from October 4–6, featuring elite RaceBird pilots from nine international teams. The event will culminate in a high-octane finale on Sunday, following Friday’s opening ceremony and Saturday’s qualifying rounds.

Lagos joins a select list of global cities hosting the groundbreaking competition, which aims to fuse elite sport with sustainable marine innovation. This marks a major milestone for both the E1 Series and the city of Lagos.

Star Power and Global Attention

Among the high-profile participants is Didier Drogba, Ivorian football legend and former Chelsea striker, who co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa alongside Gabrielle Lemaire. The event is also expected to draw dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and E1 Series co-founder and CEO, Rodi Basso.

The competition got underway with test runs on Thursday, as pilots familiarized themselves with the Lagos waters ahead of the weekend’s official races.

Local and Global Impact

Speaking ahead of the Grand Prix, Mr. Sam Egube, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, described the E1 Lagos GP as a significant opportunity to position Lagos on the global stage.

“The E1 Lagos GP elevates Nigeria’s profile as a modern, progressive, and forward-thinking nation,” Egube said. “It’s a chance to show the world what makes Lagos special — our cultural heritage, our people’s energy, and our potential for innovation.”

Egube also emphasized the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, noting that the event aligns with efforts to promote clean energy and marine transport innovation.

E1’s Vision for Global Growth

E1 CEO Rodi Basso hailed the African debut as a key milestone in the championship’s mission to promote electric mobility and innovation through sport.

 “Bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment for our global mission,” Basso said. “Lagos brings incredible energy, creativity, and ambition — all of which align perfectly with the E1 vision. We are proud to partner with Lagos to create a spectacle that drives clean innovation and showcases the city as a hub for sport and sustainability.”

The three-day event is not only expected to attract local fans and international tourists, but also investors and stakeholders in the marine, tourism, and renewable energy sectors.

With Lagos at the forefront, the E1 Series continues its journey to redefine the future of water racing — one electric wave at a time.