Again, Calvin Bassey’s father begs for reunion after 18 years

Calvin and Dad, Ughelumba in different pictures

Calvin Bassey’s father, Kingsley Ughelumba, has again cried out for help, seeking to reunite with his four children, including the Super Eagles defender, whom he says he has been separated from for over 18 years, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ughelumba reopened his long-running appeal, speaking about the painful estrangement from his children, which he attributed to a rift between him and their mother, Ebere Bassey.

Two years ago, Bassey’s father had publicly spoken about being cut off from his children’s lives. He has now returned with another emotional plea, saying he is “dying in silence” and still hoping for reconciliation.

The native of Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State said his first three sons—Elvis Ughelumba, Mathew Ughelumba and Calvin—were born in Italy, while his youngest son, Michael, was born in Ireland. According to him, the family lived together briefly in London before marital issues led to their separation.

“We had husband-and-wife arguments. I went to work and before I returned, she had left with the children,” Ughelumba said in a viral social media interview.

“She only reached out in 2017 when my children needed Nigerian passports. I sent all my documents and bought all their flight tickets. When they stayed with me then, I never told them their mum did anything to me. She has muted me since he signed for a football club.”

Bassey, a product of Leicester City’s youth system, rose to prominence after joining Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020. He made 65 appearances over two seasons for the Scottish giants, winning the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

In July 2022, he joined Dutch side Ajax in a deal worth €23m, the highest transfer fee in Rangers’ history at the time. A year later, he signed for English Premier League club Fulham for €22m.