I've realised we can compete without being negatively competitive — Toyin Abraham reaches out to Funke Akindele

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has reached out to her longtime colleague, Funke Akindele, on social media.

Acknowledging their history as prominent competitors in the Nigerian box office, Abraham opened up about the origins of their rivalry, tracing it back to their days in the Yoruba movie industry before transitioning to the Nigerian-English cinema scene.

In her message, Abraham candidly admitted that gossip and external pressures had contributed to their strained relationship, causing them to view each other as rivals and even adversaries.

However, with the passage of time and the accumulation of wisdom, Abraham expressed a newfound realisation that competition can coexist without being detrimental or negative.

Reflecting on their competitive dynamic, Abraham acknowledged the friendly rivalry between them, fueled by their shared competitive spirit as Virgo women. She expressed admiration for Akindele's achievements and credited her with paving the way for other women in the industry to succeed.

“In the English industry, Aunty Funke and I continued the rivalry sort of. It pitted our fans against each other. We are two competitive Virgo women, we love to win and sometimes in that process, we splash dirt and mud. But with time, age, and more wisdom, I have realised we can compete without being negatively competitive.

“Aunty Funke, I celebrate you for showing us what is possible. You are a winner. You sold over 1B, you made it possible for other women to dream. You ran us street with that 1B o, this year, many of us will move to 1B and we pray God makes you bigger. Thank you for making great movies and selling them like your life depends on it. You taught other women to hustle harder.

“I had set records in box office records, Aunty came and beat them, today I am happy because she has challenged me to set higher goals. Sis, let’s compliment each other even in competition at the box office, I owe you one post in December (only 1 o, I need to sell market…Lol). I pray that God will make all your dreams come true. I admire you and wish you all the best,” she wrote.

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