Who needs complex plot twists when Nollywood is already serving something even better, fine men? From the cinema screen to your late-night Showmax binge, some people aren’t watching for the storyline. They’re here for the jawlines, the biceps, and the type of smile that makes you pause and rewind.
So, in the spirit of thirst and fan service, we asked the people and they answered. Here are 25 of the hottest men in Nollywood, ranked by fans, because sometimes beauty is the plot.
25. Adekanla Desalu (aka Deza the Great)
If you like your men bald, bearded, and effortlessly fine, Adekanla Desalu is your guy. He first popped up in Catwalq as Barry and hasn’t slowed down since. With over 150 films (yes, one-five-zero) and seven producer credits, he’s basically Nollywood’s hard-working zaddy. You’ve probably spotted him in Big Love, Hell & Fury, Two Captains, or Unusual Arrangements.
“Generally, I have a thing for bald men with full beards, and Salu has exactly that.” — Kene
24. Mike Afolarin
From Kasala to Netflix’s Far From Home, Mike Afolarin has cemented himself as Nollywood’s certified sweet boy. Whether he’s playing the hustling Ishaya Bello or showing off his range in Battle on Buka Street and House of Ga’a, he always knows how to keep fans hooked. Add an AMVCA nomination to the mix and it’s clear Mike isn’t just fine—he’s talented too.
“He is a fantastic actor, and he typically has a sweet mouth in all his roles. What’s there not to find attractive?” — Ogoma
23. Joseph Benjamin
Joseph Benjamin has been in the game long enough to earn his “OG fine man” badge. He started out on a children’s TV show, then grew into the kind of actor who could make you cry in Tango With Me, swoon in Mr. & Mrs., or blush during Kiss & Tell. Add Murder at Prime Suites to the mix, and you see the range. When he’s not acting, he’s modelling, doing voice-overs, or charming the nation, hosting shows like he did with MTN Project Fame.
“He is a different type of fine man and is more mature than many of those other guys in Nollywood.” — Charles
22. Zubby Michael
If Nollywood had a “Chief Bad Boy,” Zubby Michael would be sitting on the throne. From The Three Widows to Royal Storm and Professional Lady, he’s perfected the art of playing the rugged villain you low-key can’t take your eyes off. The combo of his rough edges, commanding screen presence, and that signature Igbo-English mix is exactly what keeps fans coming back.
“Zubby just has that bad-boy energy that draws you in. I also like the way he mixes Igbo and English in his roles.” — Neche
21. Efa Iwara
First a rapper, now Nollywood’s certified lover boy, Efa Iwara has mastered the art of being the on-screen playboy we love to hate (or secretly love to love). From The Men’s Club to Seven, This Lady Called Life, Isoken, and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, he’s proven he can switch it up between romance and thrillers with ease. Still, his “bad boy with feelings” vibe is what really seals the deal.
“The way Efa is always playing playboy reminds me of my ex, and that’s why I find him attractive. Don’t judge.” — Bimpe
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20. Chidi Mokeme
Before Nollywood’s new school of fine men, there was Chidi Mokeme—the original bad boy with a presence so commanding, you just know he’ll steal every scene (and maybe your heart). He first became a household name hosting Gulder Ultimate Search (aka the reason half of Nigeria tuned in every week), then cemented his legacy with unforgettable roles in 76, Shanty Town, and To Kill a Monkey. Add in his fluency in multiple languages, and Chidi isn’t just fine—he’s versatile fine.
“I’ve been crushing on Chidi since his Gulder Ultimate Search days, and now that he’s leaning into more bad-boy roles in Nollywood, my attraction has only grown stronger.” — Favour
19. Ik Ogbonna
If Nollywood ever needed a poster child for tall, clean and stylish, IK Ogbonna would be front and centre. He started out as a model before breaking into acting in 2013 with Playing Safe (alongside Tonto Dikeh and Ini Edo), and since then, he’s given us hits like Love Lorn, Disguise, and The Washerman. Between his sharp fashion sense, smooth screen presence, and those unforgettable eyes, it’s no wonder fans can’t look away.
“There is something about his eyes and yeah, his stereotypical Igbo bad boy roles too that add to his charm.” — Dami
18. Eso Dike
Eso Dike is proof that Nollywood doesn’t just give us actors,it gives us dangerously fine men who know precisely how fine they are. From The Smart Money Woman to Game On, and big-screen hits like Ijakumo, The Wildflower, and The Stand Up, he’s shown he’s more than just eye candy. Still, his real fanbase? The YouTube girlies who have claimed him as their screen boyfriend. And honestly, can you blame them?
“He is an insanely fine boy who knows he looks good and definitely knows how to dress.” — Goodness
17. Bucci Franklyn
Bucci Franklyn is the definition of “silent rizz.” He doesn’t need to shout, he just shows up on screen, and suddenly you’re hooked. Before Nollywood snatched him up, he was a radio presenter, but his breakout in Knockout Blessing and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story proved he was made for the big screen. With To Kill a Monkey pushing him onto the global stage, Bucci is officially Nollywood’s smooth operator.
“He perfectly fits that Warri fine boy archetype that is bad for others but good for you.” — Jolade
16. Jim Iyke
Jim Iyke isn’t just an actor, he’s a whole Nollywood era. Known for his mix of bad boy swagger and lover boy charm, he’s the kind of man who can break your heart on screen and still have you begging for more. From Last Flight to Abuja to The Set Up, Merry Men, and Seven & a Half Dates, he’s proven his range again and again. Off-screen, he wears multiple hats as the founder of Untamed Productions, Untamed Records, and the Jim Iyke Foundation. Basically, fine + talent + philanthropy = a dangerous combo.
“He just has that swagger to him, and I think dark men are the hottest people on this earth.” — Alice
15. Bolanle Ninalowo
Before Nollywood, Bolanle Ninalowo was crunching numbers as an accountant in the US—now he’s the man crunching hearts on screen. Known for bringing serious muscle-man energy to his roles, he’s the guy who makes you believe in Nollywood superheroes. From producing Rebirth to acting in Rise of the Maroons, Ratnik, and Almajiri, he has built a reputation as the dependable action star with leading-man charm. Plus, that physique? It’s practically a supporting character.
“Bolanle’s acting is on another level, and his physique is the icing on the cake.” — Chika
14. Jide Kene Achufusi
Jidekene Achufusi has that kind of screen presence that makes you stop mid-scroll and pay attention. He shot into the spotlight as Nnamdi Okeke in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, a role that earned him the AMVCA Trailblazer award and Best Actor (English) at the BON Awards.
Since then, he’s stacked his resume with hits like Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards, Money Miss Road, Brotherhood, and A Tribe Called Judah. Now, with his first TV series City of Dreams in the works—a love letter to his home state, Enugu—he’s proving he’s more than just a pretty face.
“Jidekene’s intensity on screen and the way he owns every role makes it impossible not to swoon.” — Tola
13. Deyemi Okanlawon
Deyemi Okanlawon is the kind of actor who makes versatility look sexy. From Omo Ghetto: The Saga to Blood Sisters and King of Boys: The Return of the King, he’s proven he can slip into any role and own it completely.
Beyond the talent, though, Deyemi just radiates “husband material” energy—the type of man you’d wake up beside, smile at, and thank your stars for. The only catch? Sorry, ladies, he’s very much married.
“He looks like the kind of man you’d wake up to admire every day as your husband and smile. Sad thing is that he is married.” — Sonia
12. Stan Nze
Stan Nze is proof that Nollywood heartthrobs don’t just come with good looks—they come with talent that makes you stay glued to the screen. From Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story to Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story and Prophetess, he’s shown a knack for complex, layered characters that tug at your emotions. Pair that with his Igbo-strong-man energy, and you’ll understand why fans can’t stop swooning.
“I might have a bias for Igbo strong men and Stan Nze gives exactly that.” — Angela
11. Tobi Bakre
From Big Brother Naija crush to award-winning actor, Tobi Bakre’s glow-up has been something to watch. After swapping his banking career for the big screen, he made his debut in Kunle Afolayan’s Mokalik and has since delivered standout performances in Sugar Rush, Brotherhood, Slum King, and his AMVCA-winning role as Obalola in Gangs of Lagos. On screen, he’s intense; off screen, he’s everyone’s favourite “boy next door turned Nollywood star.”
“I just loved him since BBN. He was my crush then, lol. I may or may not have wanted to marry him, too. But now he’s happily marrie,d so I don’t think much about him.” — Princess
10. Miracle Dike
Miracle Dike is Nollywood’s resident sweet boy—the kind of actor whose boyish charm reels you in before his talent seals the deal. Since his debut around 2013, he’s been steadily carving a name for himself with roles in Better Half, I Will Wait For You, 10 Reasons Why, and The Perfect Match. Whether he’s playing the romantic lead or giving you light, feel-good vibes, Chidi knows how to keep eyes glued to the screen (and, let’s be honest, to his Instagram too).
“He has a boyish charm to him that makes it hard to take your eyes off him, whether on screen or from his Instagram pictures. He has a beautiful smile, too.” — Sharon
9. Michael Dappa
Michael Dappa is giving full-package heartthrob energy—body, face, lips, and even the kind of glasses that make “nerdish hot” an actual category. He broke out with Kill Boro and has since kept eyes on him with Love Can Be Messy and Wife for Christmas. Awards may still be on the way, but with his looks and talent, it’s only a matter of time before Nollywood fully crowns him.
“Body, face, lips, glasses (=nerdish hot).” — Nkoli
8. Kanayo O Kanayo
Kanayo O. Kanayo is Nollywood royalty—literally and spiritually (if you know, you know ). Ever since his breakout as Chief Omego in Living in Bondage, he’s perfected the art of playing the intense, sometimes villainous, sometimes occult roles that keep audiences hooked.
With over 100 films under his belt and a 2024 BON Lifetime Achievement Award, KOK is proof that fine + iconic = timeless.
“I am attracted to cult niggas. I won’t be explaining further.” — Dalu
7. Kunle Remi
Kunle Remi is Nollywood’s certified leading man—the type who can charm you in a romcom today and have you weeping in a period drama tomorrow. Long before the movie fame, he first caught national attention by winning Gulder Ultimate Search back in 2010 (yes, fine boy + survival skills). Since then, he’s delivered standout performances in Anikulapo, Gold Statue, and Tiwa’s Baggage, proving he’s not just eye candy—he’s got the range too.
“Aahhn, see fine boy now. He is insanely attractive.” — Bukola
6. Uzor Arukwe
Uzor Arukwe is that actor who’s been steadily climbing the Nollywood ranks, and now everyone can see why. He first grabbed attention after bagging AMVCA 2020 nominations for Smash and Size 12 in the “Best Actor in Comedy or Movie” category. Since then, the nominations haven’t stopped—Best of Nollywood Awards and even a 2025 AMVCA nod for Suspicion. His breakout roles in Sergeant Tutu, Code Wilo, and Unspoken Truth showed just how versatile he is, whether he’s playing funny, serious, or somewhere in between.
“Hellooooo have you seen him? He is the definition of hot.” — Lekan
5. Ramsey Noah
Ramsey Nouah is the blueprint. For years, he’s carried Nollywood’s leading-man crown, especially with his unforgettable romantic roles. But he’s more than just a lover boy—he’s an award-winning actor, with trophies like Best Actor at the AMAA under his belt.
From The Figurine to 76, Rattle Snake, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, Ramsey has shown time and again that he can switch between romance, drama, and action with ease. Decades in, and his charm hasn’t dimmed one bit.
“His steeze never falters.” — Chinonye
4. Maurice Sam
Maurice Sam is Nollywood’s resident heartthrob-in-the-making. First stealing the spotlight as Acid in the TV series Hustle, he’s since carved a niche for himself in romance-heavy and feel-good stories.
Whether in The Big Fat Lie, Blood Sisters, or Team Six, Maurice brings a certain warmth and intensity that makes him hard to ignore. With multiple award nominations already, his star power is only getting brighter.
“He looks like the typical black guy that most girls like, and I am most girls.” — Gabriella
3. Daniel Etim Effiong
Daniel Etim-Effiong has built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and dependable leading men. Handsome, charismatic, and often cast as the lover boy, he’s the guy who can sell both tenderness and swagger on screen. His wife, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, has even admitted she sometimes feels uneasy about just how many kissing scenes he gets booked for—a true testament to his heartthrob appeal.
“I like that he has this aura, like a macho man or something. He is just really hot.” — Dare
2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
RMD is Nollywood royalty. With a career spanning decades, he has become a cultural icon, winning numerous accolades—including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 AMAA. From Ripples and Diamond Ring to Out of Bounds, The Wedding Party, and King of Boys: The Return of the King, RMD has remained a fixture on screen.
His impeccable fashion sense, charisma, and ability to embody “old money vibes” make him just as much of a heartthrob today as when he first started out.
“RMD gives old money vibes and he looks younger than his age.” — Demi
1.Timini Egbuson
Timini Egbuson is one of Nollywood’s most bankable younger leading men. He first appeared on Tinsel before gaining wider recognition with MTV’s Shuga. His breakout came with Elevator Baby, which won him Best Actor in a Drama at the 2020 AMVCA. Since then, he’s headlined popular films like Breaded Life, Isoken, and A Tribe Called Judah. With his youthful style, effortless charm, and bad-boy persona, Timini has firmly cemented himself as a fan favourite and Nollywood heartthrob.
“He has an insane amount of aura. He’s fine, he has a good sense of style, speaks well, and is a good flirt. What more do you need?” — David
