Young Nigerian actors to watch in 2026

As the Nollywood industry continues to involve, it brings forth a wave of young actors who are set at redefining the film industry. They have the talent, and what it requires to become the future of the Nigerian film industry. These young actors with growing careers are the Nigerian actors to watch in 2026.

1. Genevovah Umeh

Crowned as the Best Supporting Actress at The AMVCA in 2024 for her role in the Prime Video Original, Breath of Life, this 30-year-old actress has quickly become a familiar face in the Nollywood industry. Genevovah was one of the first set of students admitted into Ebonylife Creative Academy. She ten went on to claim her first lead role in A Tune Away in 2020, building her filmography while slowly becoming a Nollywood and global name.

2. Iremide Adeoye

26-year-old young actor, Iremide Adeoye, also known as Fantasticks, gained prominence for his roles as Lolu Adeleke in the series ‘Wura’ and Young Israel in ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’. He is known as a Digital creator and a model, and was crowned as the ‘Best actor in a supporting role’ by Scream all Youths Awards in 2023.

3. Uzoamaka Onuoha

Born in Lagos State, Onuoha gained national recognition with her lead role in Diiche, Showmax’s first Nigerian original limited series. In 2024, she was awarded as the Best Female Performance by AFRIFF, cementing her place as a must watch face in the Nollywood industry.

4. Simisola Gbadamosi

14-year-old Simisola Gbadamosi is known for making her her voice acting debut in the Disney+ animated series Iwáju. Born in Washington, D.C. with a passion for storytelling and animation, she sets out to pursue a career in voice acting at a young age.

5. Angel Unigwe

This young multitalented actress model, and presenter has featured in no fewer than 30 films produced in Nigeria. Motivated by her passion to act, Unigwe started as a child actor making her debut in 2015 after taking up roles in ‘Alison’s Stand,’ a popular Nigerian television series. In 2019, she was named Child Actor of the Year at the Intellects Giant Awards and won Best Young/Promising Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held on 27 October 2019.

The Nollywood industry is regarded as the second-largest film industry in the world and it has live up to its title. These Young Nigerian actors are sure to take the industry to greater heights, showing that Nigeria cinema can compete on the global stage.