Faith-based Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return has set a new box-office benchmark after generating more than N71m from single-day preview screenings ahead of its official cinema release.
According to Nigerian Box Office (@NGAboxoffice), a Nigerian box-office analysis and consultancy platform, the film grossed N70m from 12,134 admissions during its preview period between September 25 and October 1.
The performance was reported as the biggest single-day preview gross recorded in West Africa, putting Agbara Nla: The Return at No. 1 for the period.
The film’s 12,134 admissions also represented the biggest first-day admissions figure recorded in 2026, while its N70m gross was reported as the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title.
The film further recorded the biggest single-day gross for the month of October, according to the box-office platform.
The latest figures add to the growing commercial momentum around the film, which is a modern reimagining of the 1993 Christian classic Agbara Nla.
Distributor celebrates box-office milestone
Nile Entertainment, the distributor of the film, had earlier announced that the production recorded the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and the biggest opening for a faith-based film.
Celebrating the performance, the distributor said the film had crossed the N71m mark in single-day preview earnings.
“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 Legend didn’t just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting.
“This is the power of a story that never truly left us. This is cinema coming together for a moment that will be remembered.”
The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide, 33 years after the original production first reached audiences.
From 1993 classic to modern reimagining
The Powerful: The Return revisits the story introduced in the original The Powerful , created by renowned Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye and released in
The original film was subsequently released in English in 1994 under the title The Ultimate Power.
The new production returns viewers to Muwonleru, a village dominated by the powerful herbalist Isawuru, whose spiritual influence shapes the lives of the community's residents.
At the centre of the story are two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, who leave their lives in the city to take the Christian message to Muwonleru.
Their arrival brings them into direct conflict with Isawuru and his spiritual influence, setting up a clash between their Christian faith and the herbalist’s perceived supernatural power.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru in the new production, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye serve as directors.
The cast includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
With its strong preview performance and nationwide cinema release, Agbara Nla: The Return is positioning the decades-old story for a new generation of cinema audiences while retaining its faith-based foundation.