Charles Okonkwo Shares Painful Regret Over Actor Diewait Ikpechukwu’s Death

Former Nigerian international footballer Charles Ekenemchukwu Okonkwo has spoken publicly about the death of veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, who died aged 71 after a prolonged illness. In a tribute posted on Facebook on Friday, November 6, 2026, Okonkwo described the late actor as someone who had been part of his generation’s life in Enugu football circles. According to Okonkwo, Ikpechukwu was more than a familiar public figure. The actor regularly spent time with footballers and could hold knowledgeable conversations about the game. Okonkwo said he was also connected to notable figures including Christian Chukwu, Okala and Stanley Okoronkwo. The former Enugu Rangers right-back said his deepest regret was failing to return three calls from the actor. Okonkwo, who is based in London, explained that the calls came shortly after his birthday in September. He intended to respond later, but the demands of daily life kept him from doing so. Okonkwo said he learned of Ikpechukwu’s death in a phone call the morning after the actor passed away. The news made the missed calls especially difficult to accept, he added, noting that the last time he had spoken with Ikpechukwu was in January. His tribute recalled the closeness between the actor and Enugu’s football community, while focusing on the ordinary delay that became impossible to undo. The account offers a personal perspective on the loss from someone who says Ikpechukwu had remained present in the lives of local footballers over many years.