By Nelson Dafe on September 12, 2016

Nigerian actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, once lyricised: “Know me when I’m poor not when I’m rich. You claim relationship. That time I no go remember. (Then, I won’t remember our blood relationship).”

Tottenham Hotspurs of England very talented midfielder Dele Alli born of a Nigerian father and British mother may not know who Nkem Owoh is, and may never have heard the song, but certainly knows his father, Kenny Alli, but can’t remember any strong loving moments with him in the gallery of his mind.

Consequently the Barclays Premier League star has opted to erase his family’s name Alli from his shirt and now carries just his first name Dele. He claims he doesn’t feel any connection to the family name after his father abandoned him and his mother when he was a kid.

Now his father, a business man, has flown thousands of miles into England from his United States of America base in a desperate bid to reconcile with his millionaire son.

However, he has so far not met any luck as 20-year-old Dele snubbed him.

The England player was given away by his mother Denise to the family of close friends Alan and Sally Hickford at the age of 13 when she battled alcoholism.

The Hickfords helped Dele to follow his sporting dreams and he’s said to regard them as his adoptive parents even if the adoption was not formally carried out.

Dele wore his Alli surname in his jersey last season when he shone brilliantly for Spurs but said of his decision to wear his first name this season: “I wanted a name on my shirt that represented who I am and I feel I have no connection with the Alli surname.

“This is not a decision I have taken without a lot of thought and discussion with family close to me.”

Denise, who is also estranged from her son said in an interview earlier this year: “I knew that [giving him away] was the only way he could fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“It was tough to give up my son but it proved to be his salvation. I’m so thankful for how things have turned out.”

•Photo shows Dele Alli.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 12, 2016

Ilechukwu makes case for Ranger’s return to Nnamdi...

Nigerian table tennis players can get better with...

Brume hopeful as Nigerian athletes arrive Oregon for...

World Cup Qualifiers: Cape Verde Draw Was Like...

Southampton Edge Brighton In South Coast Derby

MFM, Enyimba win •Embattled Heartland rule out relegation...