Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham have maintained a regular yearly rivalry, with their films consistently releasing around the same time each year. Although they cater to different audiences, the industry regards them as competitors.
In this article, we look at the themes of their upcoming films to see whether they share similarities with what we’ve seen from them before.
When Did the Rivalry Between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham Begin?
The rivalry between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham gained prominence in 2022, when both released major blockbusters around the same time, sparking comparisons, social media scrutiny, and fan clashes. Over the past few years, the two have dominated the Nigerian box office in December, often releasing films just a week apart.
Although neither has openly acknowledged the tension as rivalry, the industry knows both women are at the top of their careers and have been for years, with their films consistently appearing on the highest-grossing Nollywood films list.
How Has The Rivalry Impacted Their Careers?
Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham both had successful careers before their rivalry began. Their filmographies included some of the most memorable comedic films in Nigerian cinema, and both had already built a healthy, consistent relationship with their fanbases, who always trooped to the cinema to support films they starred in, but the start of the rivalry unlocked a different kind of success for both.
In 2022, Funke Akindele released her film “Battle on Buka Street” on 16 December, and a week later, Toyin Abraham released her film “Ijakumo” on 23 December. Both films crossed the million-view mark, with Funke Akindele grossing ₦668,423,056 at the box office and Toyin Abraham grossing ₦278,496,384.
In 2023, the rivalry continued, with both filmmakers releasing their films a week apart, and Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” became the first Nollywood movie to hit ₦1 billion at the box office and is now the second-highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time.
In that same year, Toyin Abraham’s film “Malaika” became her highest-grossing film with over ₦300 million. As of 2025, Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” became her first directorial debut in Nollywood history to gross over ₦1 billion at the Nigerian box office. It is also among the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time.
In 2025, Funke Akindele recorded her highest-grossing numbers, with her film “Behind The Scenes” grossing over ₦500 million within its first week of release. It became the fastest Nollywood film to achieve the feat and ended its run as the highest-grossing film in West Africa, with Funke Akindele herself becoming the highest-grossing director.
What To Expect From “The Four” and “Bestie” This Year?
Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham have both announced the titles “The Four” and “Bestie” and the release dates for their 2026 cinema drops. Both ladies are going above and beyond with the marketing for their respective films.
“The Four”
Funke Akindele’s “The Four” is a film about friendship, loyalty, and the journey of four women who are loyal to each other and come together to fight for the future of a young man they care for. The film is set in a picturesque community and a fast-paced city.
The cast members of the four that have been announced so far are Funke Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Waje, Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Wunmi Toriola, Ali Nuhu, Ronke Oshodi, Antar Laniyan, Ogbolor, Mide Iwasokun, John Ekanem, Shoday, Kolapo Omotosho, and Samuel Banks. It is set for release in cinemas on 11 December 2026.
“Bestie”
Although Toyin Abraham has yet to release full details about her upcoming film, we do know that the December film “Bestie” is set to be a comedic masterpiece about two best friends who become strangers after a betrayal that breaks both their hearts. Although the cast has not been released, Toyin Abraham’s presence is confirmed, and the film’s release date was announced for the 16th of December, 2026.
Can We Expect Something Different From Their Previous Films?
Both Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham have built a reputation for themselves as filmmakers who bring something fresh and different to their cinema runs every year. The storylines announced for both “The Four” and “Bestie” feel refreshing and different from their last two releases. While both their last releases centred on family, the 2026 films focus on friendships and found families.
What do we think?
Both filmmakers are talented, passionate pillars of the industry, and we are excited to see what their films have in store for us. The rivalry between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham doesn’t dent either of their box-office successes; instead, it pushes them to the centre of the industry and makes them two of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers.
