Nigeria's Power Play: Team PRONC Electrifies Global Motorsport

MONACO – July 22, 2026

Amid the glamour of the E1 Monaco race last weekend, a significant new player formally entered the world of elite motorsport. The signing, which took place at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco, wasn't just another team joining a growing league. It was a declaration of intent. Team PRONC, a newly-created entity founded by a collective of Nigeria's most influential entrepreneurs, has officially joined the 2027 UIM E1 World Championship, the world's first and only all-electric raceboat competition. This move signals more than a passion for racing; it represents a calculated fusion of business acumen, cultural diplomacy, and a strategic bet on the future of sport.

While the E1 series is already star-studded with team owners like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Rafael Nadal, the entry of Team PRONC introduces a different kind of power. This is a team backed not by individual celebrity, but by a consortium of proven nation-builders and industry disruptors from Africa's largest economy. Their mission extends far beyond the racecourse: to build a globally recognized sports and lifestyle brand that showcases Nigerian innovation, hospitality, and cultural influence on an unprecedented scale.

The Power Players Behind the Play

To understand the ambition of Team PRONC is to understand the formidable track records of its founders. This is not a speculative venture by hopeful enthusiasts; it's a strategic expansion by seasoned business leaders. The group includes Cecil Hammond, Richie Shittu, Preye Berezi, Osahon Okunbo, and Ndy Oruche, whose collective experience spans hospitality, live entertainment, energy, and multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.

Cecil Hammond is the visionary behind Flytime Group, the entertainment powerhouse that transformed Nigeria's live music scene with its flagship Flytime Fest, attracting global stars and setting new standards for concert production in Africa. His work has been pivotal in cementing Lagos as a global entertainment hub. Alongside Richie Shittu, he co-founded Rich Hospitality, an exclusive lifestyle group. Shittu is also developing the Koko Beach Resort in Lagos, a landmark luxury property under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, demonstrating a deep expertise in creating world-class hospitality experiences.

Osahon Okunbo brings a heavyweight industrial and financial perspective. As an executive director at firms like Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL) and chairman of the holding company Vetrinox Capital, he has overseen strategic projects valued in the billions. His recognition as a Young Entrepreneur of the Year underscores his impact across sectors from energy to technology. This background in managing complex, capital-intensive operations provides a bedrock of strategic and financial stability for the racing team.

This convergence of expertise is the team's foundational strength. They are not merely investing in a sport; they are leveraging two decades of experience in building brands, managing complex logistics, and captivating international audiences to launch a new kind of sporting enterprise. As co-founder Richie Shittu stated, "We've built this team through partnership and a belief that Africa deserves greater representation in global sport. E1 gives us an incredible platform to combine technology, sustainability, business and culture while competing at the very highest level."

A New Global Stage for African Excellence

Team PRONC's mission is explicitly cultural. In an era where African music, fashion, and art are shaping global trends, the founders see an opportunity to translate that influence into the high-tech, high-stakes world of motorsport. The team is designed to be a platform that celebrates and amplifies the Nigerian identity—its energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

"This is bigger than motorsport," explained co-founder Cecil Hammond. "It's an opportunity to showcase African innovation, creativity and excellence on one of the world's biggest sporting platforms while creating something future generations can be proud of." This sentiment is echoed by the entire founding group, who see the team as a vehicle for telling a positive, modern African story.

This move is a powerful exercise in what is often termed 'soft power.' By competing in iconic coastal cities from Lake Como to Miami, Team PRONC will act as a cultural ambassador, challenging outdated narratives and showcasing a dynamic, forward-looking Africa. The branding, livery of the RaceBird, and community initiatives will all be curated to reflect this mission, offering a taste of Nigerian hospitality and culture at every stop on the global E1 circuit.

Riding the Electric Wave of Innovation

Team PRONC's choice of the E1 World Championship is as strategic as its cultural mission. The all-electric series, founded by motorsport visionary Alejandro Agag, is at the intersection of several key future trends: sustainability, technological innovation, and gender equality. By entering this arena, Team PRONC aligns itself with a forward-thinking vision for sport that resonates with a new generation of fans and sponsors.

E1's commitment to marine conservation and its mandate for each team to feature both a male and a female pilot are core to its identity. This provides a unique platform for PRONC to not only champion environmental responsibility but also to promote gender representation in a sport historically dominated by men. The decision positions the team as a leader, not a follower, in the evolution of global sports.

Alejandro Agag, Chairman of E1, recognized the strategic importance of this new entry. "Having Cecil Hammond and Richie Shittu joining the Championship next year connects our vision for global expansion and innovation with a wider base in Africa," he noted, highlighting how the partnership will help expand E1's reach and influence.

Building a Lifestyle Brand Beyond the Finish Line

Ultimately, the founders' ambition is not just to win races, but to build a sustainable, globally recognized sports and lifestyle brand with cultural influence far beyond the checkered flag. This approach mirrors the successful E1 model, where teams are entertainment properties as much as they are competitive entities. The forthcoming announcement of Team PRONC's own celebrity partner will be a key step in building its global profile, following the path of teams backed by Will Smith and Marc Anthony.

As co-founder Osahon Okunbo articulated, "This is about building a sustainable organisation with global ambitions. We want Team PRONC to become a respected sporting brand that creates commercial value while positively representing Nigeria and Africa around the world." The business model will likely involve a rich ecosystem of sponsorships, media rights, merchandise, and exclusive hospitality experiences—all areas where the founders have deep expertise.

As Team PRONC begins preparations for its 2027 debut, the worlds of business, sport, and culture will be watching closely. This venture is a bold testament to a new wave of African entrepreneurship, one that is confident, globally-minded, and ready to compete on the world's most innovative stages.