By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s cinema industry is set for a major December showdown as three high-profile Nollywood productions led by Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele and Mo Abudu are scheduled to hit the big screen within days of one another.
Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi’s upcoming film, Bestie, is scheduled for release on December 16, 2026, putting it directly in the middle of an already crowded festive-season cinema calendar.
Before Bestie arrives, Funke Akindele’s The Four: No One Fights Alone is expected in cinemas on December 11, while Mo Abudu’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is scheduled for December 4.
The release dates place three of Nollywood’s most recognisable female filmmakers and actors in a rare box-office contest during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods for Nigerian cinemas.
Mo Abudu’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is an adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel and is directed by Daniel Oriahi. The film features an ensemble cast including Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada.
Funke Akindele’s The Four: No One Fights Alone, meanwhile, is being produced through her Funke Akindele Network and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. The production features Akindele alongside stars including Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Chukwuka and Waje.
Abraham-Ajeyemi’s Bestie completes the trio, with the actress and filmmaker announcing the project and its December release as anticipation builds around her latest cinematic outing.
The December releases are expected to intensify competition for audiences, screen space and box-office revenue as Nigerian cinemas enter the festive season.
With only days separating the three films, the coming weeks could provide an interesting test of the drawing power of Nollywood’s leading female filmmakers and determine which production emerges as the season’s biggest cinema attraction.
