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Calvin Bassey’s Father Makes Emotional Plea for Family Reunion After Nearly Two Decades Apart
Kingsley Ughelumba, father to Nigerian international and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, has once again reached out publicly, expressing a heartfelt desire to reconcile with his son and other children after almost 18 years of estrangement.
Background of the Family Rift
Originally from Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, Ughelumba shared that his four sons-Elvis, Mathew, and Calvin-were born in Italy, while the youngest, Michael, was born in Ireland. The family briefly lived together in London before marital conflicts led to their separation.
“We had disagreements as husband and wife. I would leave for work, and by the time I returned, she had taken the children and left,” Ughelumba recounted in a recent interview with Punch.
Attempts at Reconnection and Ongoing Challenges
Despite a brief moment of contact in 2017 when his children required Nigerian passports, Ughelumba’s efforts to maintain a relationship have largely been unsuccessful. He provided all necessary documents and covered travel expenses but has since been cut off from communication by his ex-partner.
“She reached out only to get the passports, but since Calvin signed for a football club, she has completely muted me,” he lamented. “I haven’t seen my children in a very long time.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ughelumba traveled from London to Leicester, hoping to see Calvin, who was then playing for Leicester City. Although the club facilitated a brief phone call, the reunion ended abruptly when Calvin, after contacting his mother, told his father to leave and not return.
Further Efforts During the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
In a bid to reconnect, Ughelumba journeyed from Italy to Abidjan during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. With assistance from a journalist and the Nigerian Football Federation, he attended the Nigeria vs. Angola match. Following the game, he traveled to Abuja but was still unable to meet his son.
“I am suffering in silence. I hold no grudges against my children; it’s their mother who has made this difficult,” he said emotionally. “Even if I were a villain, I wouldn’t be one in front of my children.”
Calvin Bassey’s Football Journey and Personal Reflections
Calvin Bassey’s professional career has seen significant milestones. In July 2022, he transferred to Dutch giants Ajax for €23 million, marking the highest transfer fee in Rangers’ history at that time. A year later, he moved to English Premier League side Fulham for €22 million.
Since making his debut for Nigeria in March 2022 during the World Cup playoff against Ghana, Bassey has earned 43 caps and has been a key defensive figure in the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Interestingly, early in his career, Bassey was often registered under his father’s surname, Ughelumba. However, as his career progressed, he chose to adopt his mother’s surname, openly acknowledging her unwavering support throughout his journey.
“He’s just not in my life – we lived with him, but that was when I was really young,” Bassey once shared. “Since I was six, it has been mum and us boys. 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 Broader Impact of Family Separation on Athletes
Family estrangement can profoundly affect athletes’ mental health and performance. Studies indicate that nearly 30% of professional athletes report experiencing family-related stress that impacts their careers. Bassey’s story highlights the emotional complexities behind the scenes of sporting success.
Similar cases, such as that of NBA star Kevin Love, who has spoken openly about family struggles and mental health, underscore the importance of support systems for athletes navigating personal challenges.
