E247mag reports:
The city of Lagos, Nigeria, made history over the weekend as it hosted the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, marking the debut of the competition on African waters.
The two-day event, which took place on October 4–5, 2025, at the Lagos Lagoon, brought together international stars, sports icons, and technology innovators for what has been described as a landmark moment in global motorsport. The Lagos round served as the penultimate stage of the E1 season, preceding the grand finale in Miami.
The E1 Championship features the futuristic RaceBird hydrofoil boats — zero-emission machines powered entirely by electricity. The series promotes sustainability, innovation, and environmental awareness while showcasing the potential of clean energy in high-performance racing.
Football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa alongside businesswoman Gabrielle Lemaire, played a key role in bringing the E1 tour to the continent. The Ivorian icon joined global stars like Rafael Nadal and Tom Brady, who also own teams within the championship, in celebrating the Lagos debut.
Speaking ahead of the event, E1 CEO Rodi Basso expressed excitement over the Nigerian city’s warm reception. “Bringing E1 to Lagos marks an incredible milestone for our mission — combining technology, sport, and sustainability in a city known for its vibrant energy,” he said.
During qualifying rounds, Team Brazil by Claure Group secured pole position, followed by Nadal’s Team Rafa in second place, and Team Brady in third after encountering technical challenges. The results have set up an intense championship finale, with top contenders separated by only a few points.
The Lagos State Government projected that the E1 Lagos GP could inject up to $100 million into the local economy, through tourism, hospitality, and creative industry engagement. The competition also featured music, art, and environmental awareness campaigns to promote sustainable use of Nigeria’s waterways.
Crowds gathered along the Marina and Lagoon waterfronts, turning the event into a festival of innovation and culture. Social media buzzed with excitement as hashtags like #E1LagosGP and #DrogbaInLagos trended across Nigeria and beyond.
As the RaceBirds cut through the Lagos Lagoon’s shimmering waters, the world watched as Lagos — Africa’s most dynamic city — took its place in the history of sustainable sports innovation.