If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your partner and wondering why they can’t just be romantic and thoughtful like the people on your TV screen, you’re not alone.
I’ve curated a list of 15 of the most intentional and sometimes too-good-to-be-true characters in Nollywood. They set the bar high and make you question your current relationship or wish you existed in the storyline. Get your “awwwws” and side-eyes ready.
15. Kevin in Isoken (2017)
At 34, Isoken Osayande (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) has a thriving career, loyal friends and a family that treats her singlehood like a national emergency. When her mother matches her with Osaze (Joseph Benjamin), a handsome, successful, textbook Edo husband material, it seems like the end of a long search. Then Kevin (Marc Rhys), a British photojournalist with zero knowledge of Nigerian society flips the script.
Kevin is the reason you’ll be side-eyeing your partner the next time they complain about visiting your parents. While your significant other is forming “busy” to avoid your family’s Sunday rice, Kevin was out there learning the culture, knowing his babe’s family, respecting the elders, and proving that a man who wants you will navigate any family awkwardness to get to you.
Isoken is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
14. Adil in Big Love (2023)
Adil (Timini Egbuson) and Adina (Bimbo Ademoye) first notice each other in university but never make a move. Years later, they reunite at a bank graduate training programme, and the old feelings comes roaring back.
She’s now an independent single mother and is building her career from scratch. He’s the son of wealthy parents, hiding behind humour and his mom’s warmth. The class gap between them begins to show, but to be together, Adil tells his family a huge lie, claiming her son as his own. When you see someone who doesn’t disappear at the first sign of “baggage,” stands ten toes down, handles secrets well and doesn’t bring up past mistakes during arguments, you’ll not only give your careless partner a side-eye, you’ll force them to watch Big Love and learn from Adil.
Watch Big Love on Prime Video.
13. Tunde in Flower Girl (2013)
A celebrity called Tunde (Blossom Chukujekwu) hits a random babe known as Kemi (Damilola Adegbite) with his car (by accident, to be fair). Then he takes her home to recover, listens to her heartbreak story, and then volunteers to be her fake boyfriend to make her ex jealous. A Nollywood superstar, with paparazzi following his every move, decides that helping a random florist reclaim her self-worth is a priority. Somewhere between the public appearances and party invitations, he catches feelings.
Your man won’t even introduce you to his coworkers, but Tunde is out here putting Kemi on magazine covers. By the end, she realises she feels absolutely nothing for her ex anymore (because how do you go back to being regular when someone has shown you deserve more). If your partner hasn’t made you call every past relationship “rubbish” simply by existing, the bar might be inside Kainji Dam.
Flower Girl is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
12. Zion in My Body, God’s Temple (2025)
Zion (Andrew Yaw Bunting) marries Omasilu (Uzoamaka Power), who had saved herself for marriage, watches her struggle with intimacy because of years of religious conditioning, and doesn’t throw a single tantrum. When Omasilu can’t consummate their marriage, Zion’s response is, “What can I do if you’re not ready?” No manipulation, guilt-tripping or fragile ego nonsense. He has patience and respect.
Zion supports Omasilu as she rediscovers her own body, does research together, and never makes her feel broken. Can we say the same for your partner who sulks for three days if you’re too tired to roll around in the hay?
Watch My Body, God’s Temple on YouTube.
11. George in Fine Wine (2021)
George (Richard Mofe-Damijo) is a bold and wealthy older man. He sees Kaima (Ngozi Nwosu) trapped in a relationship with a man who makes her dress up and perform perfection constantly, and he encourages her to be herself. He likes her, of course but doesn’t flaunt his recognitions or winery; he makes her feel valued without conditions.
Their first meeting is awkward (she thinks he’s a random rich man being too friendly), but his persistence is gentlemanly, not predatory. It’s never about money; it’s always about seeing someone clearly. If your relationship requires you to constantly “upgrade” yourself to be loved, the math isn’t mathing.
10. Dozie in The Wedding Party (2016)
Dozie (Bankole “Banky W” Wellington) makes a vow of chastity with Dunni (Adesina Etomi-Wellington) and actually keeps it, even when his bachelor party nearly ruins everything. An ex-girlfriend shows up claiming they’d slept together on his wedding day (a lie), and instead of the truth getting buried, Dozie chases Dunni to a beach to explain himself. The phrase “Dozie, go get your girl” is memorable for a reason.
Your partner can’t convince you they are faithful, even with a PowerPoint presentation, but Dozie clears his name in the middle of wedding chaos and still gets his dance. That’s commitment with a capital C.
The Wedding Party is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
9. Obiora in Love In Every Word (2025)
This man, played by Uzor Arukwe, buys an entire building in Lagos just to get Chioma’s (Bami BamBam Adenibuyan) phone number. When she says she isn’t interested, he steps back a bit without drama. But when she eventually comes around? He’s right there, unchanged, still the romantic, money spender — supporting her business, giving her surprises, hiring a full musical band to surprise her at work, etc.
This movie got the attention of many, and in 72 hours, it racked up six million YouTube views. It’s clear why — Nigerian women, in unison, began asking where their Odogwu Parara is. Your partner brings you nothing from their outings and expects an award — throw them away. Side-eye isn’t enough.
Watch Love In Every Word on YouTube.
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8. Edward Obi in Soft Love (2024)
Zandi (Cindy Mahlangu) gets dumped at the altar. But Edward (Efe Iwara), a Nigerian photographer, doesn’t see a rejected woman. He sees a woman worth pursuing. Edward has his own romantic scars, but he doesn’t weaponise them or use Zandi’s vulnerability for easy access. He just consistently shows up until she believes in love again.
Edward’s quiet intentionality makes him memorable. He doesn’t need grand speeches or dramatic gestures in every scene; he just pays attention. Your partner forgets your anniversary or birthday, or fails to notice your healing process; it is time for a sit-down to tell them to adjust accordingly, or get out of there.
Watch Soft Love on Prime Video.
7. Deji in The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
Ope (Zainab Balogun), a chef, returns from London, heartbroken and disillusioned, only to find her family’s hotel crumbling and her father secretly planning to sell it. It turns out Deji (Kenneth Okolie), her love interest, is the buyer. Their romance feels like a conflict of interest, but he proves that business and love don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Deji supports Ope’s dream of transforming Nigerian culinary culture and appreciates her sass. If your man or woman can barely support your Instagram page or is not invested in your vision, they deserve an uncomfortable side-eye.
The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
6. Kassim in Beyond the Veil (2023 — Present)
A marriage deemed suitable for an honourable’s son is arranged for Kassim (Caleb Richards), but he isn’t interested. He wants Zizi (Ame Aiyejina), a security personnel who lives with her grandfather and trusts approximately no one. Kassim plays his game with playful banter. She moves at her own pace, and he matches it. Kassim understands that trust is earned. The dynamic is refreshing: a woman firmly in control and a man who doesn’t piss off or hold a grudge when there’s no instant reciprocation.
You, on the other hand, have the patience of a toddler denied a biscuit — and you wonder why your partner rolls their eyes at you all the time? Please, have more patience.
Watch Beyond the Veil on Prime Video.
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5. Na’ima and Amir in Beyond the Veil (2023 — Present)
Na’ima (Jemima Osunde) carries anxiety, insomnia, and the pressure of running a successful spa business, all while hiding her struggles from everyone except her doctor. Amir (David Adoga), her friend Hanifa’s brother, is enamoured with her despite the complications.
When she travels to Lagos and reconnects with an old flame, she realises her feelings don’t align with being with Amir. The series lets her choose herself first, which is its own form of romance. Your situationship expects you to have everything figured out yesterday, but Na’ima’s character shows that healing before loving is necessary. Always choose yourself first.
Watch Beyond the Veil on Prime Video.
4. Lanre Shagaya and Ajiri Shagaya in The Visit (2015)
On the surface, Lanre Shagaya (Blossom Chukwujekwu) and Ajiri Shagaya (Nse Ikpe-Etim) are a disorganised, loud, carefree couple who drive their neighbours insane. But when secrets start spilling during one fateful visit, it becomes clear that Lanre and Ajiri have something their uptight neighbours don’t: genuine acceptance of each other’s mess.
Lanre is unpretentious and doesn’t need his wife to perform respectability for public approval. The same goes for Ajiri. The movie shows that imperfection is welcome. It’s hard to watch this movie and not say, “God, when?” or side-eye your partner who judges and complains about every single thing.
The Visit is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
3. Deji and Dunni in Something More (2024)
Deji (Blossom Chukwujekwu) and Dunni (Bolaji Ogunmola) have been best friends through every terrible date, failed situationship and heartbreak. Each romantic disaster brings them closer together until, suddenly, they’re questioning why they’ve been looking elsewhere this whole time.
But you, your partner doesn’t remember your middle name, emotional triggers, and exactly how to make you laugh on a bad day. You should give yourself a disgusting side-eye first, for being with someone who clearly doesn’t give a fuck.
Watch Something More on YouTube.
2. Prince Promise in World Apart (2004)
Uli (Ini Edo) is a village girl who comes to live with her uncle in the city for help. While living her regular life, she meets Prince Promise (Kenneth Okonkwo), who falls in love with her. She feels the same way, too. But he knows his parents won’t approve of the relationship because of the class gap. So, he improves her standard of living and gives her more exposure than before, before introducing her to his mother.
It’s really true that a partner who cares and really wants you in their life will do anything, fight tooth and nail, to keep you. If your partner doesn’t fit into this, maybe they don’t really fit into your life. Maybe not. I’m just saying.
1. Tiwa in Skinny Girl in Transit (2015–2024)
Tiwa (Abimbola Craig) deserves recognition. She navigates miscarriages, career shifts, family interference, and the everyday challenge of marriage and still remains genuinely tender with Mide. When Tiwa quits her job to support Mide’s radio station during a crisis, it’s her showing partnership. The series doesn’t give the couple a fairytale. They have realistic struggles, and they show her choosing him repeatedly.
If endurance is lacking in your relationship or your partner thinks communication means sending a thumbs-up emoji, I have bad news for you.
Watch Skinny Girl In Transit on YouTube.
