Football legend Didier Drogba and Haitian-American singer Wyclef Jean were among international stars who stormed Lagos for the E1 Grand Prix, the first-ever electric powerboat race held in Africa.
Drogba, who co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa, arrived in Lagos days before the race and shared a video of himself and Wyclef Jean announcing their presence in the city. The pair were later seen hanging out at the event venue and other activities lined up for the race weekend.
The E1 Lagos Grand Prix, powered by FirstBank, kicked off with an opening ceremony on Friday, followed by two days of electrifying races on the Lagos Lagoon near the Oriental Hotel.
On Day 1 (Saturday), teams took part in qualifying rounds that determined starting positions. The event also featured music, food, art showcases and fan experiences highlighting innovation and sustainability.
Despite brief weather interruptions, Day 2 (Sunday) drew huge crowds as Team Brazil emerged winner of the Lagos Grand Prix. Team Blue Rising, owned by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, finished second, while Team Drogba Global Africa came third.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented trophies to winners, described the event as proof that Lagos can host world-class sustainable sporting activities.
“This is Lagos showing that we can host global, innovative events that promote sustainability and create opportunities for our people,” the governor said.
Away from the racetrack, Sanwo-Olu also received Wyclef Jean, Miss Earth and Miss Earth-Water winners on a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina. The governor, in a statement shared on his social media pages, said their visit reflected the city’s growing connection to art, culture and environmental awareness.
Photos from the visit showed Wyclef and the beauty queens with Sanwo-Olu and other government officials.
The Lagos race marked the first time the E1 World Championship was staged in Africa, joining cities such as Jeddah, Venice and Monaco on the global circuit.
Following Lagos, the competition will continue in Miami, USA, for the season finale.
