Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has expressed regret over failing to recognise Funke Akindele’s potential when the filmmaker encouraged her to join the entertainment industry years ago.

Nelson said she underestimated Akindele at the time and has since learnt that people should not be judged or looked down on.

‘I Didn’t See Funke Going Far’

Reflecting on the experience, Nelson said she did not expect Akindele to achieve the level of success she has today.

“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,” she 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.”

How Nelson Missed the Opportunity

Nelson explained that she met Akindele through a mutual friend, after which Akindele introduced her to Odunfa.

At the time, Nelson provided houses as locations for film productions and had already worked with several people in the industry.

She said Akindele later approached her when she needed a location and repeatedly encouraged Nelson to join the industry.

However, Nelson admitted that she did not take Akindele’s calls and invitations seriously, eventually missing what she now considers a major career opportunity.

“I missed that big opportunity because Funke was telling me then that, ‘Ah, why don’t you come?’” she recalled.

‘I Have Learned Humility’

Nelson said the incident happened around 2006 or 2007, when the Yoruba film industry was still relatively less crowded.

She explained that stories she had heard about the industry’s culture also made her reluctant to join.

“I was telling her, ‘I’ve heard a lot about Yoruba industry. They will say you should say auntie. They will say you should kneel down. Then one person say you should carry bag,’” she said.

Looking back, Nelson said she realised that she had allowed hearsay to influence her decision and now understands the importance of humility.

“That is why you need to humble yourself in life. If there’s anything I’ve learned in life now, it’s humility,” she said.

Nelson Appeals for Another Opportunity

Nelson also apologised to Kunle Afod, Sodiq Adebayo and Funke Akindele, while appealing for another opportunity to work with Akindele.

Her comments have drawn attention to the long-term consequences of career decisions and the unpredictable nature of success in Nollywood.