Background There is a growing body of literature providing reflective accounts and critical examination of the challenges faced by insider researchers. However, there is little research about the specific challenges that black African insider nurse researchers face.

Aim To reflect on the complexities black African insider nurse researchers face in the context of research sites, participants and the interpretation of data.

Discussion Insider researchers are susceptible to various entanglements and dilemmas. Belonging to the same racial and cultural backgrounds as participants is advantageous, although caution is needed. Adoption of the emergent reflective model as an archetypal template can help future insider researchers considerably.

Conclusion Being an insider researcher comes with advantages and disadvantages. Entanglement and role ambiguity are some of the disadvantages. However, unspoken understandings with the participants provide insightful meanings into their experiences.

Implication for practice Reflectivity is crucial to the quality and rigour of qualitative studies. The challenge for future insider researchers is to show explicit awareness, tactfulness, sensitivity, commitment and rigour in their research.