Faith-based Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return has generated more than N71 million from single-day preview screenings, setting multiple box-office records ahead of its nationwide theatrical run.
The film attracted 12,134 admissions during its preview period between September 25 and October 1, with Nigerian Box Office reporting an initial gross of about N70 million.
Its distributor, Nile Entertainment, subsequently said the earnings had crossed the N71 million mark.
According to Nigerian Box Office, the 12,134 admissions represent the highest first-day admissions figure recorded in Nigeria in 2026, while the N70 million gross is the biggest first-day gross recorded by a Nollywood title this year.
The performance was also reported as the biggest single-day preview gross in West Africa, while the film recorded the highest single-day gross for October so far.
Nile Entertainment described the performance as the biggest faith-based opening of all time and said the movie ranked as the No. 1 film of the week despite being in preview screenings.
“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 said.
“The Legend didn’t just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting,” it added.
The film began its nationwide cinema release on October 2, marking the return of one of Nigeria’s notable Christian film titles 33 years after the original production.
Agbara Nla: The Return is a contemporary reimagining of the 1993 Christian film created by filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, which was later released in English as The Ultimate Power in 1994.
The new production revisits the story of Muwonleru, a village dominated by a powerful herbalist, Isawuru.
Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave the city to preach Christianity in the community, leading to a confrontation between their faith and the traditional spiritual authority wielded by Isawuru.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru in the new production, while his sons, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye, directed the film.
The production also involved Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits, with Nile Entertainment handling theatrical distribution.
The cast includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
The directors said the response to the film was particularly meaningful because of the original’s enduring connection with audiences who watched it when it was first released in 1993.
Beyond Nigeria, the film is also scheduled for theatrical release in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, with details of the international rollout expected to be announced by the distributor.
