Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba, identifying himself as the biological father of Super Eagles and Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey, has renewed a public plea for reconciliation with his children after nearly two decades of estrangement.
In a heartfelt appeal broadcast live on social media, Ughelumba said he has been separated from his four sons — Elvis, Mathew, Calvin and Michael — for more than 18 years following a long-standing dispute with their mother. He described the separation as deeply painful and called on Nigerians to help mediate a reunion.
Ughelumba explained that the family once lived together in Italy and briefly in London before marital issues led to their breakup and his return to Italy. He said efforts to stay in contact were repeatedly blocked, even when he travelled to England to see Calvin while the defender was playing for Leicester City. According to him, that visit ended with his son asking him to leave without reconnecting.
The father, who said he has “been dying in silence,” insisted his appeal is driven by a desire to rebuild family bonds rather than personal gain. He also publicly asked his ex-wife for forgiveness and urged her to allow access to their children.
Bassey, 26, had previously acknowledged his father’s absence in interviews and explained that he adopted his mother’s surname as a mark of gratitude for her support during his upbringing.
As of this report, Bassey has not publicly responded to his father’s renewed appeal.
