Chiwetel Ejiofor's Oscar nomination excites Nollywood

Ejiofor

It is no longer news that Nigerian-born British based actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor Category in his role as the free man sold into slavery in "12 Years a Slave." What is perhaps worthy of mentioning is the fact Nollywood and and its stars are currently rejoicing and celebrating the global good news.

Speaking with SHOWBIZPLUS, the famous duo of Ejike Asiegbu and Victor Osuagwu, jointly hailed the actor and his good works. 

"Ejiofor's nomination is a huge plus for us here in Nigeria. He's a great actor and deserves the award. We wish him the very best," they both hinted.

He will compete in the best actor race with Matthew McConaughey, the Golden Globe winner last Sunday, for his role as the unlikely AIDS crusader in "Dallas Buyers Club," and Leonardo DiCaprio as the swindling, fast-living stockbroker in "The Wolf of Wall Street."

 Ejiofor was born in London's Forest Gate, to Nigerian parents. His father, Arinze, was a doctor, and his mother, Obiajulu, was a pharmacist. His younger sister is CNN’s correspondent, Zain Asher.