The Nollywood faith-based title Agbara Nla: The Return has made a massive statement at the box office, opening with ₦70 million from 12,134 admissions on its first day of previews.
This performance makes it the biggest first-day admissions figure for any Nollywood film in 2026 and the largest single-day preview gross ever recorded in West Africa.
It also claims the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and the strongest single-day October gross so far. 
To put the scale in perspective, the previous biggest first-day gross in Nollywood was ₦45 million, set by Behind the Scenes in 2025. Agbara Nla has shattered that record by a wide margin.
SEE ALSO: Agbara Nla: The Return Turns Cinemas Into Revival Grounds as Viewers Pray, Speak in Tongues
About the Film
Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern remake of the 1993 Mount Zion classic, created by veteran Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye.
The original became a landmark of Nigerian Christian cinema in the home-video era. The new version retains the core storyline set in the village of Muwonleru, ruled by the powerful herbalist Isawuru. Two believers leave the city to bring the gospel, sparking a spiritual confrontation between faith and traditional power.
In this remake, Evangelist Mike Bamiloye retains his iconic role as Isawuru, while his sons, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye, direct.
Key Records Set
The film is produced under Mount Zion Film Productions in partnership with Circuits and Sozo Films, and distributed theatrically by Nile Entertainment.
According to Nigerian Film Intelligence and Nigeria Box Office, as of October 2, Agbara Nla: The Return is the:
1. Biggest single-day preview gross ever recorded in West Africa
2. No. 1 movie of the week
3. Biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title (surpassing the previous #45M record held by Behind the Scenes in 2025)
4. Biggest first-day admissions of 2026
5. Biggest single-day October gross
6. Biggest faith-based opener of all time
SEE ALSO: Nigeria at 66: Iconic, Compelling Nigerian Movies of Freedom, History & Unity
Audience response has been intense, with a report by NBG Africa of spontaneous prayer, worship, and speaking in tongues during screenings.
Showtimes have even been expanded in response to demand, with some other titles reportedly adjusted to accommodate crowds.
Agbara Nla is now showing in cinemas across Nigeria, with further international releases planned for the US, UK, and Canada.
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