‘When Love Strikes’, is a captivating Nollywood film that skillfully merges sports, family dynamics, and romance into a heartfelt story.
The film explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and self-discovery through the lens of a young footballer grappling with personal and professional struggles.
Amidst a whirlwind of worrisome thoughts—grappling with the death of a father who supported his football dreams and stewing in uncertainties about his next step in life Ibukun Saka (Natse Jemide) competes for a prestigious MVP award offering a $200,000 prize and a coveted contract with a European league.
However, his path is complicated by family tensions: his mother pressures him to abandon football for a scholarship abroad, while his supportive sister, Tinuke, serves as both mentor and protector.

As the competition intensifies, Ibukun catches the attention of Ngozi, the daughter of a retired football star organizing the event.
Their budding connection leads to Ibukun’s invitation to a gala where family secrets come to light. A shocking revelation about Ibukun’s parentage forces him to reconsider his goals and the sacrifices made by those closest to him.
This emotional conflict propels the story toward a climactic final match, blending high-stakes sports drama with deeply personal stakes.

Even though the plots are quiet predictable, its strong performances, well-crafted story, and authentic portrayal of personal struggles make it a compelling watch.

By taking bold thematic risks and incorporating sports into its narrative, the film pushes Nollywood into new creative territory.