By Rasaq Oboirie
Nigeria’s first Nollywood football-themed movie, ‘When Love Strikes’, premiered in Lagos on September 11th, 2024, to the delight of the sports and entertainment industry followers.
IBK is a young talented footballer hoping to play professionally abroad, which has been his lifelong dream. But after the death of his father and with a need to do right by his family, he’s torn between two opposing opportunities that can change his future forever.
The movie featured top Nollywood stars such as Ibukun Saka, played by Natse Jemide as the lead actor, Osas Ighodaro, Zubby Michael, and veteran actress, Bimbo Akintola.
It also featured sports journalists, Chief Suo Chapelle and Jimmie Akintola.
When Love Strikes presented an opportunity for the producer’s Inkblot Production to explore the world of the Nigerian football league using Remo Stars football club’s franchise and facility.
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye believes the movie is a great collaboration between sports and the Nigerian league as he expects more collaborations of such nature.
“This is a great collaboration between the sports industry and the movie industry. I hope this collaboration will be the first of many, not just in football but in other sports because Nollywood has taken the country Beyond its borders. This is a good thing that they’re riding on football and sports as It brings a better Global view to the country.”
At the premiere, Damola expressed joy with the project’s final result and added that the actors did their stunts to make it as original as possible.
When Love Strikes will be out in the Cinemas across the country from today (Friday) , September 13.
