Nollywood’s highly anticipated faith-based film, Agbara Nla: The Return, has recorded a remarkable box-office performance, generating more than ₦71 million from single-day preview screenings ahead of its official cinema release.
The film’s impressive performance was reported by Nigerian Box Office (@NGAboxoffice), a Nigerian box-office analysis and consultancy platform, which revealed that the production grossed about ₦70 million from 12,134 admissions during its preview period between September 25 and October 1.
According to the box-office report, the performance ranks Agbara Nla: The Return as the No. 1 film for the period, while its single-day preview gross was described as the biggest ever recorded in West Africa.
The film also reportedly achieved the biggest first-day admissions figure of 2026, with 12,134 admissions, as well as the biggest first-day gross recorded by a Nollywood title during the period under review.
Its performance also reportedly made it the biggest single-day gross for the month of October.
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The film’s distributor, The Nile Entertainment, had earlier celebrated the production’s strong opening, describing it as the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and the biggest opening for a faith-based film.
In a statement, 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 distributor added:
“The Legend didn’t just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting.”
According to The Nile Entertainment, the performance demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Agbara Nla story and the growing audience for faith-based cinema in Nigeria.
“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 stated.
33 Years After the Original
Agbara Nla: The Return is now showing in cinemas across Nigeria, arriving 33 years after the release of the original film in 1993.
The original Agbara Nla, created by Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, became a notable title within Nigeria’s Christian film tradition and was subsequently released in English in 1994 under the title The Ultimate Power.
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The new production serves as a modern reimagining of the classic story, returning audiences to the fictional community of Muwonleru, a village under the influence of the powerful herbalist Isawuru.
The story follows two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, who leave their lives in the city to take the Christian message to the community. Their arrival sets the stage for a confrontation between their Christian faith and Isawuru’s spiritual influence.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his iconic role as Isawuru in the new production, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye serve as directors.
The cast also features Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo, among others.
With its strong preview performance and nationwide cinema release, Agbara Nla: The Return is positioning itself as one of the major Nigerian film releases of 2026, while bringing a well-known Christian cinema story to a new generation of moviegoers.
Watch out for Agbara Nla: The Return in cinemas nationwide.
