- Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson publicly apologised to Funke Akindele on a podcast, admitting she turned down an opportunity involving the filmmaker
- Nelson confessed she underestimated Akindele early in her career and stepped away from acting for a relationship she now regrets
- The missed opportunity dates back to around 2006 or 2007, when both women were navigating a much smaller Nigerian film industry
Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has spoken about a career regret that has clearly weighed on her, issuing a heartfelt public apology to actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele.
Bunmi Nelson made the confession during an appearance on the Talk to B podcast, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo and published on YouTube on August 22, 2026.
Source: Instagram
During the wide-ranging conversation, she opened up about stepping back from acting for a relationship, a decision she now deeply regrets, before steering the discussion towards Funke Akindele and what she described as a squandered opportunity.
“I’m sorry, Funke Akindele. I know I messed up, and I just want you to forgive me,” Nelson said. “You reached out to me then for what was supposed to be my own life turnaround, but I was so stupid not to have noticed, and I turned you down then, and I don’t need to go into details. It’s been long. I just want to say I’m sorry and that I’m open to job offers from you, please.”
How Bunmi Nelson and Funke Akindele first connected
Nelson clarified that she and Funke Akindele did not meet on a film set but were introduced through a mutual friend, a connection she says she has always held in high regard.
“You are someone that I appreciate, and we didn’t just meet on set. We met through a close friend of you and I, and so since then I’ve had a lot of regard and respect for you. So please feel free to call me for jobs. I’m back into the movie industry,” she said.
Source: Instagram
The lesson Bunmi Nelson learnt too late
Reflecting on why she let the opportunity slip, Bunmi Nelson admitted she did not see how far Funke Akindele would go.
Around 2006 or 2007, when the Nigerian film industry was far smaller, actress Bunmi Nelson had been providing filming locations for productions and had crossed paths with Funke Akindele, who reportedly encouraged her repeatedly to formalise her involvement in the industry.
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Funke Akindele celebrates 49th birthday: Net worth, biography and how she built her wealth
She brushed it off, partly because of rumours she had heard about the Yoruba film sector at the time.
“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.
“If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight, because I can’t even see her back now.”
Watch Bunmi Nelson speak about her relationship with Funke Akindele below:
Fans react to Bunmi Nelson’s apology
Social media users had a lot to say about Nelson’s candid admission:
@larrybridesnmore wrote:
“Hnmmm! See big lessons of life🤔🤔🤔”
@zheelion commented:
“This is such a courageous thing to do… 😁 she seems so sorry… If not jobs with box office Queen, I hope doors open for her from different and unexpected angles”
@hairmarjesty said:
“I love people who are self aware of their own errors rather than apportioning blames and gaslighting others …I love her 👏😍”
@ayosojumiadeniyi shared:
“Only very few see our potential even before it materializes. 🙌 I appreciate this woman’s bravery, though. It’s not easy to admit this.”
@gineeka_ wrote:
“It takes a lot to admit to this. Industry people should forgive her 🙏”
@homeland_alaga added:
“I love people that tell their stories as it is. Not those that push their faults to others”
Funke Akindele speaks on sacrifices for success
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Funke Akindele revealed the immense personal sacrifices she made while producing Behind The Scenes, which has grossed ₦2.7 billion at the Nigerian box office.
She disclosed that the project demanded sleepless nights, missed meals, and abandoning social events to stay fully committed to her work.
Now, the actress is finally enjoying rest and self-care after the film’s remarkable commercial success.
Source: Legit.ng