Diewait Ikpechukwu
By Emeka Ugochukwu
Weeks after popular Nollywood actor, Francis Duru died, another Nollywood actor, Diewait Ikpechukwu has reportedly died at the age of 71.
The veteran actor, a former footballer, died on Thursday after a prolonged illness, according to a family source.
Although details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, an announcement by a certain group, Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, confirmed Ikpechukwu’s demise.
The Management of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, said
“With a deep sense of sorrow and submission to the will of God, we announced the transition of our dearly beloved Patron and veteran Nollywood icon, Chief Diewait Ikpechukwu.
“Chief Ikpechukwu was not just a supporter of our club; he was a foundational pillar, a passionate sportsman, and a true father figure to the entire football and entertainment community in Enugu.
They said that long before he became a household name on television screens across Africa, Chief Ikpechukwu’s first true love was football. In his youth, he was a lethal and exceptionally talented right-winger on the pitch. His remarkable skills, blistering pace, and football intelligence did not go unnoticed.
But he chose a different path in life: acting even as his professional life took him through a successful corporate career as a business office manager at NITEL, his heart never left the pitch. He remained deeply connected to the beautiful game and was incredibly close to generations of footballers, from veteran ex-internationals to rising local talents.
“As a Patron of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, he was a constant, warm presence (he was supposed to grace Veterans All Stars training session sponsored by Chief Donald Igwebuike on Saturday the 10th of October 2026, but became ill a day before)—offering wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support to veterans’ football in Enugu State.
With over 200 Nollywood movies to his credit, he became a master storyteller, renowned for portraying dignified elders, traditional rulers, and complex characters with unmatched gravitas. Despite his massive fame as a cinematic giant, he chose to remain close to his roots, living in Enugu and serving as a pillar of the local Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) chapter, bridging the worlds of sports and arts in the Coal City.
