Former actress Bunmi Nelson has apologised to actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for underestimating her career potential when they first met in the mid-2000s.

Nelson made the admission during an appearance on the Talk to B podcast hosted by actress Biola Adebayo.

She recalled meeting Akindele around 2006 or 2007, when she was involved in providing locations for film productions. According to Nelson, Akindele encouraged her to join the Yoruba film industry, but she declined.

Nelson said she did not believe Akindele would achieve the level of success she has today.

“I didn’t see Funke going far,” she said.

She also recalled that Akindele introduced her to members of the Odunfa film group and encouraged her to become more involved in acting.

Reflecting on the decision, Nelson said: 

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

Nelson also revealed that she later left acting because of a relationship, a decision she now regrets.

She said she has returned to the movie industry and appealed to Akindele to forgive her, adding that she would be willing to work with her. She also extended her apologies to other industry figures, including actors Kunle Afod and Sodiq Adebayo.