₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQeBS8r1s0?si=JVnn5zcTK4u_kTHY

The Five Cowrie Creek is that body of water that begins at the Lagos Lagoon and separates Banana Island from Lekki.

The Creek flows southward and separates Lekki and Victoria Island from Ikoyi and then it empties into Lagos Harbour at the Onikan and Bonny Camp area.

The Independence (Onikan), Five Cowrie (Falomo) and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Btidges cross over Five Cowrie Creek.

The Lagos State Government will close parts of Five Cowrie Creek to boats from the 2nd to the 5th of October 2025 for the E1 Lagos GP electric power boat race.

The E1 Lagos GP is the African edition of the UIM E1 World Championship. The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the international governing body of powerboating and it organises the UIM E1 World Championship.

Sports legends like Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast and Chelsea football legend), Lebron James (Los Angeles Lakers and American basketball legend), Virat Kohli (Indian cricket legend), Tom Brady (American football legend) and Rafael Nadal (Spanish tennis star) own teams in the competition.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu

From the 3rd to the 5th of October, for the first time on the African continent, Lagos will host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series.

The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future. It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people.

This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.

I extend a warm invitation to you to be part of this historic moment. The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage.

Get your tickets at e1lagos.com

From the 3rd to the 5th of October, for the first time on the African continent, Lagos will host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series.

The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable… pic.twitter.com/nhMLIdY4Yf

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) September 29, 2025

Drogba, Kohli, LeBron, Nadal - why big names are investing in powerboat racing

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/19df/live/a5f0b170-986c-11f0-8ac5-61a603230ddd.jpg
Didier Drogba won four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea but is now involved in electric powerboat racing with the E1 Series

Mark Lomas
Sports writer
29 September 2025

Didier Drogba is a member of what might be the world's greatest sporting WhatsApp group.

Along with fellow global icons Tom Brady, LeBron James, Virat Kohli and Rafael Nadal - as well as actor Will Smith - the former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker owns a team in E1 Series, the world's first all-electric international powerboat racing competition.

Having taken to the waves last year, E1 is nearing the chequered flag on its second season and is about to pay its first visit to Africa, with Lagos' lagoon set to host the nine teams over the weekend of 4-5 October.

"When we decided to jump on the journey with E1, the main goal was always 'let's bring the race to Africa'," Drogba told BBC Sport Africa.

"We want people to discover our culture, to discover our history. That's why Lagos is for us a good choice, because it's a vibrant city."

Drogba's partner Gabrielle Lemaire, who is a co-investor in their team, also believes Nigeria's largest city fits the bill.

"The people are very young and it's an opportunity for us to advocate for sustainability," said the entrepreneur and vice president of the Didier Drogba Foundation.

Billing itself on its website as "pioneering a sustainable future in marine sports", E1 claims to "regenerate coastal waters through innovative clean technologies".

Venice, Monaco, Dubrovnik, Doha and Lake Como in Italy are among the venues so far visited by E1, with Miami scheduled to round off this season.

It also aims to promotes gender equality, with every team consisting of one female and one male pilot.

"As a symbol it is really strong to show that men and women can do sports," said Lemaire.

"We would like to advocate for this, for the young people, for the young ladies to understand how important it is today.
"It's not only a sport that we're talking about here."

Hunting for African talent

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/fe08/live/189858e0-986d-11f0-8ac5-61a603230ddd.jpg
The E1 Series has lofty aspirations of competing with motorsport powerhouses Formula 1 and Formula E

Competitors come from a variety of motorsport backgrounds, exemplified by Team Drogba's line-up.

Teenage British powerboat champion Oban Duncan is partnered with Micah Wilkinson, who won sailing bronze for New Zealand at last year's Olympic Games.

Duncan is the youngest pilot in E1, but Drogba says he has built a strong relationship with the 19-year-old.

"Oban is full of talent but her confidence was a bit low," he revealed.

"I said 'We put our trust in you, we are behind you, and you're a superstar because you race with a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm'.

"I'm really happy with her because she applies the same principle that I used to apply during my career: give everything, do your best."

Despite Duncan's young age, Drogba and Lemaire are already looking to the future, hoping the upcoming race in Lagos might inspire African talent.

"This is the goal, to be able to have African people interested in the sport, interested in sustainability, in racing, in discovering new cultures," explained Drogba.

"I think this is the opportunity for young people who want to succeed, who want to become a part of the E1 team.

"We would love to have an African pilot. It would mean a lot to us."

Trash talk in the WhatsApp group

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/aae7/live/6e91ee00-986d-11f0-8ac5-61a603230ddd.jpg
Drogba met Prince Albert II of Monaco (centre) alongside fellow E1 Series investors Rafael Nadal (third left), Tom Brady (fourth right), Marc Anthony (third right) and LeBron James (right) in July

Despite a glittering career which saw Drogba win four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, the two-time African Footballer of the Year has so far decided against a move into coaching.

But the 47-year-old says he is now channelling the leadership qualities of his former coaches and team-mates into his new position.

"I'm lucky to have had a diversity of managers, a diversity of knowledge, and I learned a lot.

"Even players who showed great leadership, like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Petr Cech - all these guys.

"I try to be like a sponge and take the best out of them, as a leader trying to reproduce it, but in my own way."

While competition in E1 is fierce on the water, it is just as intense away from it, according to a smiling Drogba.

"I decided not to bring too much of my competitiveness, otherwise I will destroy them like I destroyed all the strikers I was in competition with," he laughed when discussing his rivalry with the other owners.

"These guys are really nasty on this WhatsApp group.

"I thought Rafa [Nadal] was a nice guy, always gentle, polite. But I've read what he said a few times and I'm not happy about it so I will have to change gears."

With DJ Steve Aoki and Puerto Rican singer Marc Anthony, huge names in North America and beyond, also team owners, the rivalry between the stars is clearly one of E1's biggest draws.

It has led organisers to target a valuation of £500m ($675m) for the competition in the next five years.

"It can only grow with the energy that all the owners are putting in," said Drogba.

"When we first started, I think it was me, Rafa, Marc and Steve.

"Now the list is becoming bigger with Tom Brady, Will Smith, LeBron James. Hopefully we'll have a female owner too because this is really important."

Also on Drogba's list is a race in Ivory Coast, with Abidjan a likely venue because of its lagoon which mirrors Lagos' waterways.

"There's some technical specifications that you must require to organise the race, but I think we have everything here [Abidjan] to host," he added.

"We proved it with the Africa Cup of Nations. This is something that must happen."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cj6xn553j5no

Lagos power boat race.

Oluwaseun Osiyemi is the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.

Oluwaseun Osiyemi @seunosiyemi_

Preparation ahead of the E1 Lagos GP slated to hold from 3-5th of October.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQsamDczXTk?si=OQeBGFexdQZbPzFF

Preparation ahead of the E1 Lagos GP slated to hold from 3-5th of October.#LagosWaterways #AGreaterLagosRising pic.twitter.com/1cV3kfLGM5

— Oluwaseun Osiyemi (@seunosiyemi_) September 29, 2025

This is going to be massive. A lot of opportunities here: tourism, job creation.

Well done boss naptu2

Oops! I forgot to edit the picture links in the BBC article.

dfrost:
This is going to be massive. A lot of opportunities here: tourism, job creation.

Well done boss naptu2

Thank you.

Nice Thread. This is why Lagos is the best City/State in West Africa. It is now hosting the truly special events, like how Monaco is synonymous with Formula 1 racing, that marks out great cities of Africa and the world.

For example, little known by many is how Lagos is now becoming an ever-improving global art hub. So much potentials for travel, tourism and hospitality.

The 12,000 capacity Lagos Arena, under construction in the State, is going to be the icing on the cake. Hosting global concerts and even big fight night boxing and UFC events. lagos on the move.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uf0a26ocC8?si=ZG28zajltxkUBKiz

This video does not look like Lagos to me. Probably they meant this is London or Europe

kayyyy44:
This video does not look like Lagos to me. Probably they meant this is London or Europe

Competition wey dem never do for Lagos how the advertisement of the competition go be Lagos ? As Qatar host world cup 2022 when dem dey advertise ham na Qatar dem use? abi Russia and other past place the competition had taken place

Good one. They should just put enough safety measures in place to avoid loss of lives.

Those who developed Lagos has brought Lagos another opportunity to shine

I won't agree with this. Igbo develop Lagos waterways. Bring this program to us igbo in the east

I always knew the electric GP will come to Lagos ..I will be there live

Water GP race in Lagos state. That should be interesting

Only two states in Nigeria


Lagos and others

Lasgidi no be there mate.

I go like watch this race o. Abeg make una drop the best location to enjoy the view

Lagos Lagos Lagos
This are things Lagos should be going for the more, the only news shouldn't be only people jumping into the lagoon, at least let's have better news from it

Zaphnath1:
Lagos Lagos Lagos
This are things Lagos should be going for the more, the only news shouldn't be only people jumping into the lagoon, at least let's have better news from it

There is always "better news" coming from Lagos but of what use is that for someone determined never to see those "better news" let alone acknowledge them?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/idris-elba-hails-lagos-as-most-amazing-city/%3famp

This event will be a banger. How can we be part of this?

Omoh!
Live'n'Loud I go!!!

However, Like someone already suggested, safety measures like beacon, floating signs, buffers, and others should be stationed at the right place - make we no hear say one unfortunate sailor collided with the Bridge pillar!
Most importantly, Those 3 Bridges and their under-sides need serious face-lift and decor.

FarahAideed:
I always knew the electric GP will come to Lagos ..I will be there live

I emailed for tickets and they're yet to get back to me, hopefully I'll go.

WizardOfNG:
There is always "better news" coming from Lagos but of what use is that for someone determined never to see those "better news" let alone acknowledge them?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/idris-elba-hails-lagos-as-most-amazing-city/%3famp

Read to understand not knowledge alone

Am not talking about the entire Lagos I mean the water bodies so chill

Zaphnath1:
Read to understand not knowledge alone

Am not talking about the entire Lagos I mean the water bodies so chill

Okay. My bad if I misunderstood you. My sincere apologies.

[quote author=naptu2 post=136964102]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQeBS8r1s0?si=JVnn5zcTK4u_kTHY

The Five Cowrie Creek is that body of water that begins at the Lagos Lagoon and separates Banana Island from Lekki.

The Creek flows southward and separates Lekki and Victoria Island from Ikoyi and then it empties into Lagos Harbour at the Onikan and Bonny Camp area.

The Independence (Onikan), Five Cowrie (Falomo) and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Btidges cross over Five Cowrie Creek.

The Lagos State Government will close parts of Five Cowrie Creek to boats from the 2nd to the 5th of October 2025 for the E1 Lagos GP electric power boat race.

The E1 Lagos GP is the African edition of the UIM E1 World Championship. The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the international governing body of powerboating and it organises the UIM E1 World Championship.

Sports legends like Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast and Chelsea football legend), Lebron James (Los Angeles Lakers and American basketball legend), Virat Kohli (Indian cricket legend), Tom Brady (American football legend) and Rafael Nadal (Spanish tennis star) own teams in the competition.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu

From the 3rd to the 5th of October, for the first time on the African continent, Lagos will host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series.

The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable… pic.twitter.com/nhMLIdY4Yf

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) September 29, 2025

E1 Lagos GP Powerboat race.

It's gonna be a real blast on the waterways of the Lagoon.

[quote author=naptu2 post=136964102]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQeBS8r1s0?si=JVnn5zcTK4u_kTHY

The Five Cowrie Creek is that body of water that begins at the Lagos Lagoon and separates Banana Island from Lekki.

The Creek flows southward and separates Lekki and Victoria Island from Ikoyi and then it empties into Lagos Harbour at the Onikan and Bonny Camp area.

The Independence (Onikan), Five Cowrie (Falomo) and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Btidges cross over Five Cowrie Creek.

The Lagos State Government will close parts of Five Cowrie Creek to boats from the 2nd to the 5th of October 2025 for the E1 Lagos GP electric power boat race.

The E1 Lagos GP is the African edition of the UIM E1 World Championship. The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the international governing body of powerboating and it organises the UIM E1 World Championship.

Sports legends like Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast and Chelsea football legend), Lebron James (Los Angeles Lakers and American basketball legend), Virat Kohli (Indian cricket legend), Tom Brady (American football legend) and Rafael Nadal (Spanish tennis star) own teams in the competition.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu

From the 3rd to the 5th of October, for the first time on the African continent, Lagos will host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series.

The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable… pic.twitter.com/nhMLIdY4Yf

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) September 29, 2025

Lagos GP Powerboat race has made landfall in Lagos, Nigeria.