Lilian Afegbai Opens Up on Career Struggles in Nollywood

Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has shared her struggles in navigating the Nigerian movie industry, revealing how friends in the business repeatedly sidelined her talent.

Afegbai, best known for her role in the Netflix crime thriller To Kill a Monkey, said it was disheartening that despite her acting skills, those close to her often cast her as an extra rather than giving her meaningful roles.

According to the 33-year-old, while taking on cameo appearances is part of the job, it became frustrating when it turned into a recurring pattern.

“People I know friends in the production industry, would cast me as an extra and not an actor. It’s different when you play a cameo in a film, but when it becomes the norm that your friends, who are casting for big productions, forget you are an actor, and when you remind them, they tell you to come and play extra, they were comfortable with me doing that,” she explained.

Her recent role as Idia in To Kill a Monkey marked a turning point in her career, giving her the chance to showcase her depth and versatility.

Directed by Kemi Adetiba, the series explores themes of cybercrime, betrayal, and survival, featuring a star-studded cast including Stella Damasus, Bucci Franklin, and Chidi Mokeme. Afegbai’s performance has since earned her praise from viewers and critics alike, highlighting her range and resilience in an industry known for its challenges.