Nollywood actress, Bunmi Nelson has publicly apologised to filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele for rejecting an opportunity to work with her early in her career.

She admitted she did not believe Akindele would go far at the time.

Nelson made the remarks during an interview on the Talk to B podcast. She recalled that Akindele approached her around 2006 or 2007 through a mutual friend and invited her to join productions in the Yoruba film industry. Nelson said she turned the offer down after hearing unfavourable stories about the sector.

“I didn’t see Funke going far. That’s why in life, don’t underestimate anybody. Don’t look down on anyone except you’re admiring their shoelace,” she 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 expressed regret over the missed chance and said she is now open to working with Akindele. “I’m sorry, Funke Akindele. I know I messed up, and I just want you to forgive me,” she added. “You reached out to me then for what was supposed to be my own life turnaround, but I was so stupid not to have noticed.”

She noted that she is returning to the movie industry and remains open to job offers from Akindele, describing her as someone she has always respected.