Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has opened up about a career decision she now regrets, admitting that she failed to recognise Funke Akindele’s potential when the filmmaker reached out to her years ago.
Nelson made the revelation during an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on the Talk to B podcast, where she reflected on her career and some of the opportunities she believes she missed in the Nigerian film industry.
According to Nelson, the incident occurred around 2006 or 2007, when Akindele was still developing her career. Nelson said she had been providing her home as a location for film productions when Akindele approached her about using the property for a project.
Nelson recalled that Akindele also encouraged her to become more actively involved in the Yoruba film industry. However, she admitted that she did not take the actress’s calls and invitations seriously.
“I didn’t see Funke going far. That’s why in life, don’t underestimate anybody. Don’t look down on anyone except you’re admiring their shoelace,” Nelson said.
She added, “If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight because I can’t even see her back now.”
Nelson said she now considers the missed opportunity a major lesson, particularly because the Nigerian entertainment industry was less crowded at the time. She acknowledged that Akindele had made repeated efforts to encourage her to join the industry.
The actress also linked her decision partly to concerns and rumours she had heard about the Yoruba movie industry, which influenced her perception at the time. Looking back, she said the experience taught her the importance of humility and keeping an open mind.
“I’m more humble now than anything else because life has taught me the hard way that nothing is constant,” she said.
Nelson has since apologised to Akindele and expressed her willingness to work with her again, saying she has returned to the movie industry.
The revelation has resonated with audiences because it highlights how career opportunities can sometimes be overlooked before their value becomes apparent.
Akindele has since established herself as one of Nollywood’s most successful actresses and filmmakers, while Nelson’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising opportunities and avoiding assumptions about another person’s potential.
