Man Claims Paternity of Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey in Emotional Viral Video
A video featuring a man who claims to be the biological father of Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has gone viral after appearing on a live chat hosted by Kenyan social media personality Hellen Ati. The emotional footage has ignited widespread discussion and mixed reactions across Nigeria and beyond.
Emotional Plea from Alleged Father
In the tearful video that surfaced online on Monday, January 26, the man identified himself as Kingsley Ikenna from Anambra State, currently residing in Italy. He publicly pleaded with his ex-wife to grant him access to his adult sons, including the prominent footballer, following years of estrangement after their separation.
According to his account, the family initially lived in Italy before relocating to England with Italian documentation. However, converting these papers to British documents proved problematic. When he wanted the family to return to Italy, his wife refused. Unable to work legally in the United Kingdom, he had no choice but to return to Italy alone.
The man alleged that since that time, his ex-wife has consistently denied him visitation rights to his children. He claimed that numerous attempts to meet Calvin Bassey have ended in disappointment, prompting him to appeal to Nigerians for assistance in reconnecting with his son.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The viral video has sparked diverse opinions among Nigerians. While many viewers expressed sympathy for the man's visible distress, others shared skepticism about his claims and motivations.
Some social media users questioned the timing of his appearance, suggesting he might be seeking attention now that Calvin Bassey has achieved fame and success. However, the man insisted that his desire to reconnect is not driven by his son's celebrity status but by genuine familial longing.
Several commenters who claimed to know the man personally defended his character and financial standing. One user identified as ifyballer commented: "This man lives in a city called Modena in Italy. He is not poor. He is into exportation and importation. He does a lot of jobs like buying cars for people in Italy."
Other reactions included:
- gela_amaka said: "I thought they said the kids will always look for their father."
- divineowhede commented: "I know him he is based in Italy. Modena. God show him mercy."
- ugonnayammeka said: "When men spend their youthful days being irresponsible, loneliness awaits them in the future. All of a sudden you love your wife and kids funny."
- sheisnaomi_00 said: "I love it when single mothers train their kids with everything in them and shut idiots up. I'm proud of my mum."
Context and Background
Calvin Bassey was recently part of the Super Eagles squad that participated in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Morocco. The defender's rising profile in international football has made this family matter particularly noteworthy to Nigerian sports enthusiasts.
The live session was hosted by Hellen Ati, who is known in Nigerian social circles as the alleged baby mama of socialite Cubana Chiefpriest. During the same period, Ati made other controversial claims, including allegations about Cubana Chiefpriest's sister leaving her husband in Cotonou and moving to Nigeria with another man.
This viral incident highlights the complex intersection of celebrity culture, family dynamics, and public opinion in Nigeria's digital landscape. As the story continues to circulate online, it raises questions about privacy, paternal rights, and how personal family matters become public spectacles when involving high-profile individuals.
The emotional appeal from the man claiming to be Calvin Bassey's father has undoubtedly touched a nerve with many Nigerians, reflecting broader societal conversations about fatherhood, responsibility, and reconciliation within families.
