Nigerian travel content creator Alma Asinobi will not be breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest journey across all seven continents after visa delays prevented her from reaching Sydney, Australia, within the required time.
In an Instagram update on Sunday, Asinobi, who is still en route to Sydney, revealed that her total journey time will be 71 hours and 35 minutes, falling short of the 64-hour record set by American veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham in February 2025.
Reflecting on her journey, she pointed out that if she had been competing against the previous record of 73 hours, set by Indian travellers in 2022, she would have surpassed it. However, multiple setbacks during her attempt meant that by the time she made the announcement, she had already spent 63 hours, 54 minutes, and 33 seconds travelling, making it impossible to beat Buckingham’s record.
Asinobi, who faced several challenges due to her Nigerian passport, was also denied boarding on a flight to Perth, Australia, forcing her to rebook a later flight to Sydney.
In her Instagram post on Sunday, she wrote, “From slide 9 you can already tell that it would take me 71 hours and 35 minutes to land in Sydney, Australia [Continent 7] and if I was running against the initial record based on the time I first announced it which was 73 hours 5 minutes held by Indian travellers Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Ali Irani in December 2022.
“Unfortunately, in February the record was reset to 64 hours by Johnny Cruz Buckingham, an American Veteran, and GWR took a few weeks to verify it and announce in March 2025.
“I know that I could have beat this record but for all the hurdles I had to face. I don’t know why Heathrow fire happened to compound it all… but the most important thing is that I’ve chosen to finish.”
Acknowledging the emotional toll, she added, “So close, but so far away. I may not have won this one, but we can sure win the next one together. My eyes may be swollen from all the tears I’ve cried and would probably still cry but I promise to find moments of laughter in between.”
Despite the disappointment, Asinobi emphasised that her attempt was about more than just the record.
“When I land, we will catch up on lives and we will pour our hearts out to each other, for now, let’s finish this! I really hope this attempt was worth something for a Nigerian out there,” she said.
Her focus is now shifting to a homecoming event on March 30, where she aims to break another record by gathering Nigerians to sign a national flag in solidarity.
“We still have one more record to break at the homecoming event on 30th of March where we will make history by signing our Nigerian flag made by #motthelabel.
“I can’t wait to see you all there. I totally and physically cannot do that one without you. So please show up for me. Thank you for sparking conversations and being there with me through it all.”
Asinobi also expressed hope that her journey has inspired others to challenge their fears and not let external limitations hold them back.
She noted that she took on a challenge beyond her reality, control, and limitations, urging people to do the same.
Throughout her journey, she has been vocal about the difficulties she encountered due to her Nigerian passport. Unlike travellers from countries with better passport privileges, she had to navigate complex visa requirements, expensive travel arrangements, and last-minute flight cancellations that jeopardised her attempt.
Her experience has also sparked broader discussions on passport inequality and the barriers that restrict global mobility for citizens of certain countries.
While she may not have set a new Guinness World Record, her supporters continue to celebrate her effort.
“You did win! A personal win, a win for Nigerians, a win for me as a fellow black girl navigating the world without passport privilege,” #chloeanabraidy commented.
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