Popular Nollywood actor Nonso Diobi has spoken out about long-standing rumours of rivalry and comparisons with his colleague, Mike Ezuruonye.
In a candid interview with Labista, Nonso reflected on their intertwined journeys in the film industry, addressing topics such as fan-driven rivalry, mistaken identity, and their unique on-screen chemistry.
Nonso revealed that he joined Nollywood before Mike and shared a key moment when they acted together in Mike’s debut film. He admitted that their similar appearances led to frequent mix-ups by fans, with many mistaking one for the other.
“Photogenically, we look alike a lot. Sometimes, when I see a poster with Mike on it, if I don’t look closely, I think it’s me. It happened to me a lot, and it happened to him too,” Nonso shared.
He added that the constant misidentifications initially frustrated him but ultimately became a point of connection between them.
Rather than letting these comparisons breed animosity, Nonso revealed they used the situation to their advantage. They convinced directors to cast them together, creating memorable on-screen pairings that leveraged their chemistry and resemblance.
Addressing fan expectations of rivalry, he said, “Just the way fans feel about us, we feel the same way too. At first, it was difficult, but we made it work and turned it into a bond.”
His comments have further endeared him to fans, who praised his maturity and willingness to celebrate a colleague rather than engage in competition.
Watch the video below …
“The fans wanted a rivalry.”
Nonso Diobi speaks about comparisons with Mike Ezuruonye. pic.twitter.com/JYvX86n5ld
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) December 4, 2024
