Super Eagles Defender's Father Makes Heartfelt Plea for Family Reconciliation
Kingsley Ughelumba, the father of Nigerian international and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, has issued another emotional public appeal for reconciliation with his children after nearly 18 years of separation. The tearful plea comes as the family rift continues to deepen despite multiple attempts at reunion.
A Father's Desperate Cry for Connection
Ughelumba, who hails from Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State, revealed that he has been "dying in silence" while desperately hoping for a chance to rebuild relationships with his sons. This marks the second time in two years that Bassey's father has publicly addressed the estrangement, highlighting the ongoing pain of their separation.
"I have not seen my children for a long time," Ughelumba said emotionally during an interview cited by Punch newspaper. "Even if I am a devil, I can't be a devil where my children are."
Family Background and Separation Details
The family's complex history includes:
- Ughelumba's first three sons—Elvis, Mathew, and Calvin—were born in Italy
- The youngest son, Michael, was born in Ireland
- The family lived together briefly in London before marital issues led to separation
According to Ughelumba, the separation occurred abruptly: "We had husband-and-wife arguments. I went to work, and before I returned, she had left with the children."
Failed Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite a brief reconnection in 2017 when the children needed Nigerian passports, the relationship deteriorated again. Ughelumba detailed several heartbreaking attempts to see his children:
- 2020 COVID-19 Period: He drove from London to Leicester when Calvin was playing there, but was denied access
- Leicester City Visit: The club welcomed him and called Calvin using childhood nickname "Biggy," but the meeting ended badly
- 2023 AFCON in Abidjan: He traveled from Italy with journalist assistance but still couldn't meet his son
- Abuja Follow-up: Additional attempts after the tournament proved unsuccessful
"When I got there and he saw me, he called his mum and afterwards he changed," Ughelumba recalled of the Leicester encounter. "He got upset and told me to say whatever I wanted to say and leave. He said he didn't want to see me again and drove off."
Calvin Bassey's Career and Name Change
The 26-year-old defender has established himself as a key player for both club and country:
- Made his Nigeria debut in March 2022 during World Cup play-off against Ghana
- Has earned 43 international caps
- Played crucial roles in Nigeria's last two Africa Cup of Nations campaigns
- Transferred to Ajax in July 2022 for €23 million (Rangers' record sale at the time)
- Signed for Fulham in 2023 for €22 million
Notably, Bassey changed from using his father's surname (Ughelumba) to his mother's surname as his career progressed. He has consistently credited his mother for supporting his football journey.
"Since I was six, it has been mum and us boys," Bassey once said. "I knew that if I got the chance to put my name on the back of a shirt, I wanted it to be my mum's name—my way of saying thank you."
The Ongoing Family Struggle
Ughelumba maintains that his children's mother has prevented communication since Calvin signed for a professional football club. "She has muted me since he signed for a football club," he explained, emphasizing that he bears no ill will toward his children.
The father's latest appeal highlights the human story behind the football success, revealing the personal sacrifices and family dynamics that often remain hidden from public view. As Bassey continues to excel on the pitch, his father's plea for reconciliation adds a poignant chapter to the defender's remarkable journey from grassroots football to international stardom.
