Elegbede Abiodun
… placing Agbara Nla at No. 1 for the period.
Nollywood faith-based film, Agbara Nla: The Return, has recorded about N71m from single-day preview screenings ahead of its official release.
According to Nigerian Box Office (@NGAboxoffice), a Nigerian box-office analysis and consultancy platform, the film generated N70m from 12,134 admissions during its preview period between September 25 and October 1.
The performance was reported as the biggest single-day preview gross ever recorded in West Africa, placing Agbara Nla at No. 1 for the period.
The report also said the film’s 12,134 admissions represented the biggest first-day admissions figure recorded in 2026, while its N70m gross was the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title.
The film also recorded the biggest single-day gross for October, according to the report.
The Nile Entertainment, distributor of the film, had earlier announced that Agbara Nla: The Return recorded the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and the biggest opening for a faith-based film.
The distributor said, “From the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title to the biggest faith-based opener of all time, the biggest single-day previews in West Africa (₦71M+), and the #1 movie of the week.
“The Legend didn’t just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting.
“This is the power of a story that never truly left us. This is cinema coming together for a moment that will be remembered.”
The distributor said the film’s single-day preview earnings had surpassed N71m.
The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide, 33 years after the original film was released.
Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern reimagining of the classic Agbara Nla, which was originally released in 1993.
The original film, created by Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, was later released in English as The Ultimate Power in 1994.
The new production returns to the story of Muwonleru, a village controlled by the powerful herbalist Isawuru.
Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave their city lives to take the Christian message to the community, leading to a conflict between their faith and Isawuru’s spiritual power.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye directed the new production.
The cast also includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
