A Naija Christmas

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A Naija Christmas is a 2021 Nigerian Christmas film directed by Kunle Afolayan, starring Abayomi Alvin, Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara, and Rachel Oniga. It premiered on Netflix on December 16, 2021, and is the first Nigerian Christmas film on the platform.

Plot
The story follows an aging mother, Mama Agatha, who is worried her sons aren’t married and have no grandchildren. She declares that the first son to marry will inherit her Ikoyi house, triggering a series of love stories, misadventures, and family drama in Lagos.

Characters include Ugo, Obi, Ajike (a church chorister), Vera, Kaneng, and Tony Torpedo (a loan shark). Ugo pursues old flames, Ajike wants their relationship to be church-sanctioned, and Obi pursues Vera (and later Kaneng). A web of romantic entanglements, rivalries, and secrets unfolds during a busy holiday season that features a church vigil, a Mushin gala, and a family Christmas party. By the end, Kaneng and Obi reconcile with Mama’s approval, and Ajike and Ugo navigate a promising path with church blessing.

Reception
The New York Times’ Lisa Kennedy described the film as a fun, Lagos-centered holiday romantic comedy with some naughty twists. Kunle Afolayan was praised for his direction.