Emotional Plea from Calvin Bassey's Father After 18-Year Separation
The father of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has made an emotional public appeal for reconciliation after being separated from his son for nearly two decades. Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba broke down in tears during recent interviews, expressing deep regret over the family rift that has kept him apart from Bassey and his brothers for approximately 18 years.
Family Split Origins Revealed in Emotional Interview
In a TikTok Live interview that has since circulated on YouTube, Ughelumba explained the painful circumstances that led to the prolonged separation. The family had briefly lived together in London, but marital disagreements with Bassey's mother resulted in him being completely cut off from his children. Ughelumba described how bitterness and unresolved issues prevented any meaningful contact over the years.
The Anambra-born father revealed he attempted legal intervention in London to reconnect with his sons, but circumstances including expired documentation and unemployment forced him to return to Italy. Despite these significant obstacles, Ughelumba maintained his determination to rebuild family ties.
Bassey's Career Success Contrasts with Personal Family Situation
While his father makes emotional appeals, Calvin Bassey has established himself as a key player for both Fulham and the Nigerian national team. The defender has made 43 appearances for the Super Eagles since 2022, contributing significantly to Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations achievements including silver in 2023 and bronze in 2025.
Bassey's standout performance during the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco earned him a place in the competition's Best XI, yet his professional success contrasts sharply with the unresolved family matters now coming to public attention. The defender chose to carry his mother's surname professionally, explaining in 2020 that this decision represented his gratitude for her sacrifices.
Failed Reconnection Attempts and Current Silence
Ughelumba described several attempts to reconnect with his son, including traveling to Leicester City during Bassey's time at the club. The encounter proved tense, with Bassey reportedly telling his father to say what he needed to say and then leave. Further attempts to communicate during AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast yielded limited results.
The only previous contact with the children's mother occurred ten years ago regarding Nigerian passport matters, highlighting the prolonged nature of the family separation. Calvin Bassey has maintained silence regarding his father's public pleas, continuing to focus exclusively on his football career according to recent reports.
Professional Focus Amid Personal Turmoil
Despite the emerging family story, Bassey remains dedicated to his professional responsibilities. The Fulham defender recently spoke publicly for the first time since Nigeria's 2025 AFCON semifinal match against Morocco, where he played the entire 120 minutes despite receiving a yellow card. His commitment to the national team continues undiminished even as personal matters gain public attention.
Ughelumba has emphasized that his motivation is not financial gain or public recognition, but rather a genuine desire to rebuild family relationships after nearly two decades of separation. The emotional appeal has sparked discussions about family dynamics among Nigerian sports professionals and the personal challenges they navigate alongside their public careers.
