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Agbara Nla grosses ₦354.5m in Nigerian cinemas, distributor says

Agbara Nla has grossed ₦354.5m at the Nigerian box office since its October 1 release, and topped the weekend chart, according to its distributor.

Medianaija Editorial3 min read

The remake of Mount Zion's 33-year-old Christian classic also topped the weekend box office with ₦47.50m.

The Nollywood faith-based film Agbara Nla has grossed ₦354.5 million at the Nigerian box office since its cinema release on October 1, according to its distributor, Nile Entertainment. The figure came in a Tuesday statement that also said three of the company's films held the top three places at the weekend box office.

Agbara Nla reimagines a 33-year-old Christian classic produced by Mount Zion. Co-produced by Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits, it was distributed internationally in Europe in partnership with IFEC.

The film led the weekend chart with ₦47.50 million. Street Fighter followed with ₦36.43 million, and The Other Mummy earned ₦8.67 million. Together the three films made ₦92.61 million, which Punch put at 58.9 per cent of the weekend's total box office earnings.

Nile credited the result to a campaign that mixed nostalgia with a push for younger viewers. "The film's return to cinemas was supported by a nostalgia-led campaign targeting both audiences familiar with the original and a new generation of viewers," the statement said. The activities included "engagement with the Mount Zion community, endorsements from church leaders, and online activations", and the company said they brought in more than ₦71 million in advance ticket sales in a single day.

Nowe Segun-Ojo, the general manager of Nile Entertainment, said what the weekend meant for a young distributor:

"Having three of our titles occupy the top three positions is an encouraging milestone for a relatively young company, and we remain focused on building on this progress with our production and studio partners."

The company began operations in August 2024. Segun-Ojo said its results came from its approach to distribution, adding: "Since commencing operations in August 2024, we have focused on building a distribution business that understands the films it represents and the audiences they serve."

Outside Nigeria, Agbara Nla opened with $120,660 in selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and Canada. According to Nile Entertainment, Agbara Nla reached several UK milestones for Nollywood releases: it was the largest Nollywood release of 2026, posted the biggest opening weekend for a Nollywood film in 2026, recorded the biggest pre-sales for one, and is the biggest faith-based Nollywood film ever.

The Guardian Nigeria, in a report published on 17 October, put the film's opening at ₦170.6 million. It called this the biggest non-December opening in Nollywood history, and the third-biggest opening for the country's film industry, behind Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind the Scenes. Preview screenings between September 25 and October 1 drew 12,134 admissions and about ₦70 million before the film opened nationwide, the paper said.

The film is directed by Damilola and Joshua 'Jay Mikee' Mike-Bamiloye, both sons of veteran actor Mike Bamiloye.

Street Fighter and The Other Mummy both opened in cinemas on October 16, and Nile said each was promoted through campaigns tailored to its own audience.

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