Beauty they say, is in the eyes of the beholder. The word “beauty” could mean different things to different people, and everyone has their own opinions. The Nigerian movies industry is filled with so many beautiful, talented women, in fact it was so hard for me to even make this list cause I wanted to put all of them. So on that note, there’s no actual ranking, but I managed and settled for 30. From the veteran actresses, to the upcoming ones, here are 30 most beautiful Nigerian actresses.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is a Nigerian Actress born 3 May 1979. Genevieve is one of the pioneer actresses of Nollywood, winning awards and recognized worldwide. Genevieve is a household name and is often said to be the best actress in Africa. With dazzling beauty, Genevieve is a mother to a beautiful girl and hasn’t aged a bit over the years.
2. Stephanie Okereke
Born on the 2nd of October 1982 in Ngor Okpala, Imo state, Stephanie’s dream was to become an actress. While she was still in secondary school, was actively involved in the drama community and after graduating, she went on to study English and Literary Studies in the University of Calabar. It was in the university that she began to attend auditions and eventually snagged her roles in ‘Compromise 2’ and ‘Waterloo’ which earned her awards. She was the runner up of the ‘Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria’ beauty pageant in 2002. A dazzling beauty.
3. Omotola Jalade
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, popularly called Omo Sexy, is a beautiful actress and singer. The talented mother of four was born 7 February 1978. Omotola is the first Nigerian actress to star in her own reality show. having been awarded and recognized worldwide for her great contributions to Nollywood, Omotola was once listed as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world. Asides being commended for her efforts in film, she is a humanitarian.
4. Adesua Etomi
Tolulope Adesua Itomi is a flower with many petals. Born 22 February in Owerri, Imo State, she is one of the budding faces in Nollywood. Adesua made her debut in 2012, playing a lead role in ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’. Adesua cannot only act, she also has the voice of a nightingale. She obtained a diploma in Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre and Performing Arts from the City College Coventry and a degree in Drama and Performance from the University of Wolverhampton where she graduated with first-class honours.
5. Regina Daniels
Regina was born on 10 October, 2000. The young beauty started movie making at the age of seven; her mother (Rita Daniels) is an actress. She got support from her mother and her siblings. Her first movie was ‘Marriage of Sorrow’ which earned her 10,000 Nigerian Naira. She featured in a Nollywood movie titled ‘Miracle Child’ in 2010 and it brought her to the limelight.
6. Adunni Ade
Adunni Ade was born in Queens, New York and is the fairest of them all. This beautiful actress is known for how well she embraces her Yoruba heritage in her performances, defying the odds and breaking from the stereotype often placed on actresses of mixed race and diverse backgrounds. Adunni is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Accounting. She worked in housing and insurance industry in the US before switching to entertainment.
7. Somkele Iyamah Idhalama
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is a beautiful actress and model born in Delta state. Known for her role in Gidi-Up, The Wedding Party, and Arbitration, Somkele is making her mark in film, fashion and beauty. A serial woman crush Wednesday, Somkele is a captivating performer. She is also a graduate of the McMaster University, Canada.
8. Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli is an actress, scriptwriter, director, producer and a trained digital filmmaker at the New York Film Academy. A veteran in her own right, Omoni was born April 22, 1978. A proud mother of three boys, Omoni Oboli is an advocate for women’s rights. Heavily awarded for her work, this star is also a philanthropist.=
9. Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima-Okojie is the aso-ebi queen. Beauty and brains Ini obtained a degree in International Relations from the prestigious Covenant University and was formerly an Investment banker before switching to the film industry. The enchanting Edo actress is known for her amazing acting skills, beauty and style.
10. Beverly Naya
Berverly Ifunaya Bassey was born 17 April 1989 in London. An only child to her parents Beverly is a damsel and is known for her amazing performances in various films, one would say she plays the antagonist best. Beverly studied Physiology, Sociology and Psychology at Brunel University. She then went on to study Script-Writing and Film-Making at Roehampton University.
11. Nancy Isime
Nancy Isime (born December 17, 1991) is a Nigerian actress, model and media personality. In 2009 she won the Miss Valentine International beauty pageant, and began a career as an actress in the TV series ‘Echoes’ in 2011. She has since appeared in several films and is known for presenting gossip show ‘The Squeeze’ and technology show ‘What’s Hot’. In 2016 she replaced Toke Makinwa as the presenter of the popular show ‘Trending’ on HipTv.
12. Linda Osifo
Linda Osifo (born July 27, 1991) is a Nigerian actress and television host. She was first runner-up Miss Nigeria Entertainment Canada 2011 and 2nd runner up Miss AfriCanada 2011 beauty pageant. In 2015, Linda became a Nollywood talent to be reckoned with when she was nominated for the ELOY awards for her role in the hit TV series: Desperate Housewives Africa by Ebonylife TV.
13. Damilola Adegbite
Oluwadamilola Adegbite was born in 1985. She is a Nigerian actress, model, and television personality. She rose to fame with the role she played as Thelema Duke in the soap ‘Tinsel’. Damilola has a degree in Business Administration from Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.
14. Dorcas Sola Fapson
Popularly called DSF, Dorcas Sola Fapson is a beautiful woman, born and raised in North London. With a degree in criminology, Dorcas moved back to Nigeria to pursue her passion for acting. Dorcas rose to fame for her role as Sophie in MTV Base’s hit series ‘Shuga’. Dorcas is not just an actress she is also an amazing host and VJ.
15. Dakore Egbuson-Akande
Dakore Egbusan-Akande is an ambassador for Amnesty International, Amstel Malta and Oxfam of America. Dakore was born in Bayelsa state and has built a career in Nollywood over time. Though she took a break shortly before and after getting married, Dakore made a huge comeback and is not leaving your screen anytime soon.
16. Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic a thrilling, multi-award-winning actress and entertainer. With a BA degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, Rita has entertained nations for years and is a veteran. Rita Dominic is known for her commitment to her film characters, style, beauty and ability to manage her private life.
17. Chioma Chukwuka
An actress, film producer and director, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha was born in Lagos state, Nigeria and graduated with a BSc in Banking & Finance from the Lagos State University. Born March 12 1980, the dashing damsel, wife and mother of two’ hails from Anambra State in Eastern Nigeria.With pure talent, sheer aptitude and a passion for acting, Chioma made her acting debut in 2000 with the movie “The Apple”.
18. Chacha Eke
Born 1 May 1993, Charity Eke, popularly known as Chacha Eke Faani, is a Nigerian actress from Ebonyi State. Her rise to fame came when she starred in the 2012 drama film, ‘The End Is Near’. The beautiful actress featured in several other movies.
19. Chizzy Alichi
Born on 23 December, 1989 in Enugu state, Chigozie Stephanie Alichi popularly known as Chizzy Alichi a famous Nollywood actress, model and television personality. She is very beautiful, gifted, skillful, creative and talented in acting and interpretation of movie roles. She featured in the movie ‘Akaraoku’ which began her recognition in the industry.
20. Queen Nwokoye
Queen Nwokoye (born August 11, 1982) is a talented, lovable, entertaining and popular Nigerian film actress. She is best known for starring as the lead character in a 2014 film ‘Chetanna’. Since making her acting debut in 2004 in a film titled ‘Nna Men’, Nwokoye has gone on to star in several Nigerian films, winning awards and earning nominations.
21. Ini Edo
Ini Edo (born 23 April, 1982) is a Nigerian actress. She began her film career in 2000, and has featured in more than 100 movies since her debut. In 2013, she was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant. In 2014, Ms. Edo was appointed by the United Nations as a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy. Her acting career started in 2003 with her debut in ‘Thick Madam’. She was discovered by a producer at the audition she attended. Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she acted in ‘World Apart’. She is one of the most successful actresses in Nigeria.
22. Ebube Nwagbo
Born Oluebube Nwagbo. Ebube Nwagbo is a Nigerian actress who began her career at the age of 20. In addition to acting, she is also a distinguished entrepreneur who has made a name for herself through her strong business IQ. A true beauty with brains.
23. Tonto Dike
Tonto Dike was born June 9, 1985. She is an actress, singer and philanthropist with a heart of gold. Tonto shot into limelight for her role in the controversial movie ‘Dirty Secret’. She ventured into music releasing singles ‘Hi’ and ‘Its Ova’ and was also signed to BD Records in 2014. Tonto Dike is a Graduate of Rivers State University of Science and Technology with a degree in Petrochemical Engineering.
24. Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole rose to fame for her role in Super Story in 2007. Kehinde is an actress, model and presenter. She made her debut in entertainment in 2003 as a participant in the Miss Commonwealth Pageant. Kehinde Bankole is an amazing actress and great to watch.
25. Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro Ajibade is a Nigerian actress, host and humanitarian. She won the Miss Black USA Pageant in 2010 and founded The Joyful Joy Foundation. This Edo beauty rose to fame for her role ‘Danni’ in soap opera ‘Tinsel’. Osas obtained a Bachelor ’s degree in broadcasting journalism with dual minors in entrepreneurship and theatre from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in fine arts from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
26. Funke Akindele Bello
Funke Akindele a.k.a Jenifa is one of Africa’s greatest jewels in the film industry. She is the creator of the hit series Jenifa’s Diary, a role which debuted 10 years ago as Jenifa, a popular Yoruba film. Funke has an OND in Mass Communication from now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Ogun State and a Law degree from the University of Lagos. Funke Akindele has numerous endorsement deals and awards to her name and runs an NGO called The Jenifa Foundation.
27. Iretiola Doyle
Iretiola Doyle is a graceful actress with so much zeal. Ireti obtained a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos. Iretiola’s career spans over two decades and is an accomplished writer, actor, producer and presenter.
28. Mercy Aigbe
Mercy Aigbe (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerian actress, director and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba indigenous movies.
29. Nse Ikpe Etim
Nse Ikpe Etim was born in 1974 and came into limelight in 2008 for her role in reloaded. The gifted performer is known to have the ability to play diverse roles perfectly which is evident in her performances in ‘Phone Swap’, ‘The Meeting’ ‘The Visit’ and ‘Fifty’. Nse is a graduate of the University of Calabar with a degree in Theatre Arts.
30. Joke Silva
Joke Silva is a veteran actress known for her captivating roles in any movie she features in. Joke was born 29 September 1961 and is a graduate of the University of Lagos and Webber Douglas Academy of Arts, London. Joke Silva made her film debut in the 90s and has starred in movies outside of Nollywood. Her amazing performances have made her a household name. She is a United Nations goodwill ambassador and a role model to all women and young girls. She is married to Nollywood Legend, Olu Jacobs.