Chukwuebuka Ude, a rising star known for his role in the popular series “Wura,” embarked on his acting journey serendipitously. It began with a school project for his brother, a creative arts student, where a child actor was needed. This initial foray sparked his interest, leading him to participate in the Lagos Theatre Festival in 2019. By 2020, he professionally auditioned and landed his first significant role in “Riona,” directed by James Omokwe. Ude credits his supportive parents for fostering his passion, allowing him the freedom to pursue his acting dreams without reservation. They’ve embraced his career choice, understanding the demands of filming schedules and encouraging him to pursue his passion wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on his experience filming “Wura,” Ude describes the unique blend of excitement and challenge. Filming locations often take him far from the bustling city of Lagos, sometimes near the ocean, adding an element of adventure to the process. While the journey can be demanding, he finds the entire filming process invigorating, filled with a unique adrenaline rush. Each set presents its own distinct atmosphere and challenges, making it difficult for him to choose a favorite filming experience. This constant change and exposure to new environments keeps the work fresh and engaging.
Beyond the world of acting, Ude harbors a passion for football, particularly for the English Premier League club, Chelsea. His interest in sports dates back to his school days, where he participated in running and football. While he played competitively in primary school, his focus shifted to recreational football in secondary school and university. Today, he remains an avid football enthusiast, keenly following Chelsea’s performance and enjoying the sport as a spectator. He attributes his allegiance to Chelsea to the Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, whose style impressed him during a match against Nigeria. The club’s dramatic history, including the controversies surrounding Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich, further solidified his fandom, along with his affinity for the color blue and the team’s winning record during his early years as a fan.
Assessing Chelsea’s current season, Ude expresses optimism, noting their improved performance under manager Enzo Maresca. While acknowledging the team’s progress, he also identifies areas for improvement. He believes players like Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix are still adapting to the Premier League’s demands, and he suggests reinforcing the defense, potentially by recalling Trevor Chalobah from loan. The striker position remains a concern for him, despite Nicolas Jackson’s decent performance. Ude highlights the team’s ability to create chances but struggles to convert them, emphasizing the need for a more clinical finisher. Regarding Chelsea’s prospects in the Conference League, he echoes the manager’s sentiment of focusing on continuous improvement, rather than solely on winning the competition.
Shifting his focus to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, Ude advocates for empowering local coaches rather than relying on foreign managers. He believes the key lies in granting the manager autonomy, free from interference by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). While acknowledging the capabilities of the current coach, Austine Eguavoen, he suggests seeking inspiration from past successes, such as the Stephen Keshi era. However, he recognizes the disparity in talent between the current squad and the star-studded teams of the past. He criticizes the lack of cohesion and tactical awareness within the team, likening their play to “Counter-Strike 2” rather than football, with players seemingly operating individually. He attributes this partly to the nature of African football, which he describes as “jamboree soccer,” often lacking the structure and discipline of European football, requiring players to adapt when playing abroad.
He singles out Victor Boniface as his favorite Nigerian player, appreciating his humor and unique playing style. However, he notes the stark contrast in Boniface’s performance for Bayer Leverkusen compared to the Super Eagles, attributing the difference to a lack of clear tactical instruction within the national team setup. He believes clearer guidance from the coaching staff would unlock Boniface’s full potential with the Super Eagles. Ude’s analysis of the national team reflects his deep understanding of the game and his desire to see Nigerian football thrive.
For Ude, the acting profession presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. The waiting periods between auditions and the unpredictable nature of filming schedules can be demanding, requiring patience and resilience. However, he sees these experiences as opportunities for personal growth, teaching him the importance of staying calm and trusting the process. The most fulfilling aspect of acting, for him, is the ability to embody diverse characters and tell stories that resonate with audiences. Whether portraying a deceased sibling or a marginalized individual, he finds profound satisfaction in connecting with viewers through his performances. His advice to aspiring actors emphasizes the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and perseverance. He encourages them to embrace every opportunity, even sending audition tapes when necessary, and to constantly hone their craft by studying established actors and attending masterclasses. He also stresses the importance of having a stable source of income alongside acting, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the industry. Reflecting his own upbringing, Ude expresses his unwavering support for his future children’s aspirations, including a potential interest in sports. He believes in providing them with the freedom to choose their paths while emphasizing the importance of balancing their passions with education. His parenting philosophy echoes the support he received from his own parents, who allowed him the autonomy to pursue his dreams.
