Calvin Bassey’s father, Kingsley Ughelumba, has renewed his emotional appeal for reconciliation with his children. He claims prolonged separation from four sons, including the Super Eagles defender, spanning more than 18 years.
Ughelumba blamed the estrangement on unresolved marital disputes with his former partner, Ebere Bassey. Speaking again publicly, he described the separation as painful and emotionally draining over the years. He said the family lived briefly in London before disagreements forced an unexpected and permanent separation.
According to him, his former partner left with the children while he was away working. Ughelumba explained his first three sons were born in Italy, while the youngest arrived in Ireland. He said communication only resumed in 2017 when Nigerian passport documentation became necessary.
He claimed he provided documents and paid flight tickets without confrontation or accusations. Calvin Bassey’s football career later flourished across Europe, beginning at Leicester City’s academy. He rose to prominence at Rangers, winning domestic trophies during two impressive seasons.
Bassey later joined Ajax in a record transfer before moving to Fulham.The defender debuted for Nigeria in 2022 and has since become a consistent national team presence. Earlier in his career, Bassey was registered under his father’s surname, Ughelumba. However, he later adopted his mother’s surname, citing her unwavering support.
Ughelumba recalled several failed attempts to reconnect, including during the COVID-19 period. He described an emotional meeting in Leicester that ended abruptly after his son contacted his mother. Another attempt during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations also proved unsuccessful. He insists his intentions remain purely paternal and driven by reconciliation. As of filing this report, Calvin Bassey has not responded to the renewed claims.
