Calvin Bassey
Father of Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has made a public appeal to Nigerians and his estranged wife, seeking forgiveness and a chance to reconnect with his children after 18 years of separation.
Speaking during a TikTok live session with influencer, Hellen Ati, Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba, who identified himself as Bassey’s father, broke down emotionally as he pleaded for help to reunite with his family.
“Please Nigerians should help me. Wherever I must have wronged my wife, she should please forgive me so I can have access to my children,” Ughelumba said.
He recounted making a long journey from London to Leicester while Calvin was still playing for Leicester City, stressing that his visit was driven by a father’s desire to see his first son, not by his football career or growing fame.
Ughelumba said he had no direct access to Calvin and did not even have his phone number, claiming their mother had changed their contact details over the years.
“When I got to Leicester, the club welcomed me. I told them to call him ‘Bigi’, so he’ll know who was asking of him,” he said.
“Then he spoke with me and gave me an address. I went to his house, and when he saw me, he picked up the phone. He called his mother, and then changed drastically. He got upset, told me to say what I had to say, and then leave.”
According to Ughelumba, the estrangement followed a prolonged family dispute that began after he returned to Italy many years ago, which he claims led to him being completely cut off from his sons.
The emotional appeal has since triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some Nigerians expressed sympathy and called for reconciliation, others questioned the circumstances surrounding his claims and the long absence from his children’s lives.
As the conversation continues online, the story has reopened discussions around family separation, reconciliation, and the personal struggles that can exist behind the public success of celebrated sports figures.
