I Never Expected Her To Go This Far” – Bunmi Nelson Makes Emotional Revelation About Funke

Nollywood actress, Bunmi Nelson, has opened up about a career opportunity she regrets missing with colleague Funke Akindele, admitting that she failed to recognise Akindele’s potential at the time.

Nelson made the revelation during an interview on the Talk to B YouTube podcast, where she reflected on her past interactions with the award-winning actress.

She cautioned people against underestimating others, saying she never imagined Funke Akindele would rise to such heights in the entertainment industry.

“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. If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight because I can’t even see her back now,” she said.

According to Nelson, she first encountered Akindele through a mutual friend, after which Akindele introduced her to the Odunfa Caucus, a renowned theatre group and acting academy.

Nelson explained that, at the time, she was providing houses as locations for filmmakers when Akindele approached her and repeatedly encouraged her to join the acting industry.

However, she admitted that she did not take Akindele’s invitations seriously and eventually missed what could have been a significant turning point in her career.

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

Nelson said her reluctance was partly influenced by what she had heard about the Yoruba film industry, particularly the expectations placed on newcomers.

“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 recounted.

Reflecting on the experience, Nelson said the major lesson she has learned over the years is 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.

The actress also apologised to Kunle Afod and Sodiq Adebayo, while appealing for another opportunity to work with Funke Akindele after missing the earlier chances that came her way.