Nollywood meets football in a love story called 'When Love Strikes' which follows the journey of a young aspiring star who faces a career dilemma.
When Love Strikes, Nigeria's first football-themed movie premiered in Lagos on September 11th, 2024 to the delight of the sports and entertainment industry.
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 producers 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 sport industry and the movie industry. I hope this collaboration would be the first of many and not just in football but in other sports because Nollywood has taken the country Beyond 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 Friday, September 13th, 2024