The Nigerian culinary expert popularly known as Chef Anani, Eshi Anani, has unveiled plans to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) for the longest continuous grilling marathon.
The record attempt is slated for March 5–8, 2026, at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin, and will span 60 hours, deliberately timed to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, Anani disclosed that her application was officially approved by GWR less than a month after it was submitted.
The existing record stands at 40 hours, 49 minutes and 17 seconds, achieved by Panther City BBQ in July 2022.
“I have been in the culinary space for almost eight years now. It has been an interesting journey. I was not always a chef,” she said.
“I went to school. I read computer engineering. But I left all that. And I decided to choose the kitchen. On my journey, I realised I actually like cooking a lot. I think that is my favourite method of cooking.
“So we are attempting 60 hours straight. But I am hoping to make it to 72 hours. The current record is 40 hours.”
To execute the challenge, Chef Anani will work alongside a three-person team, which includes chefs Favour ‘Wakachef’ Ogbonna and Osahon ‘TheFitChef’ Joy.
The team will operate under a structured rotation, grilling for 22 hours with a compulsory two-hour rest period within every 24-hour cycle.
In line with GWR guidelines, official timekeepers and fitness monitors will oversee and document the entire attempt.
“The whole process, we are going to have what we call fitness events and timekeepers. So, they will work in shifts,” she said.
“These people are going to record what we are doing, when and all of that. Some of the rules include showing our process.
“Every 24 hours, we have two hours of rest. We want to go straight for 22 hours and rest for two hours at a time.”
Beyond chasing a world record, Anani described the attempt as a statement on gender equity in the culinary profession.
“The date was strategically chosen to show the strength and resilience of women,” she explained.
“In my experience, women are under-segregated and under-celebrated in this field. People often associate certain energy and endurance only with men. I am doing this to show the world that female chefs are remarkably strong and resilient.”