Ex‑Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell leads Nigeria’s push to host Formula 1 race.
Former Premier League player Marvin Sordell is leading an initiative through Opus Race Promotions to bring a Formula 1 Grand Prix to Nigeria, with early backing from the federal government.
Plans include constructing a track in Abuja, plus supporting infrastructure like a karting facility, hotels, a tech hub, and a motorsport museum. The scheme was officially presented to Nigeria’s sports commission, which appointed Opus as liaison to F1 and FIA.
FIA and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have reportedly been invited to Abuja to assess the project. Though still in preliminary stages, the proposal represents a major attempt to bring global motorsport to Africa for the first time since 1993.
If successful, the race could boost Nigeria’s tourism, technology, and international profile—but hurdles remain, including feasibility, global calendar slots, and competition from South Africa and Rwanda.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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