Divine Adili’s parents visit PH, to watch Ateneo games in UAAP

FAMILY. Elias Adili and Ifeoma Adili, the parents of late Ateneo big man Divine Adili, arrive in the Philippines, where they are welcomed by fellow Nigerian Solomon Okereke.

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Ateneo announces that Elias and Ifeoma Adili, the parents of the late Divine Adili, will be 'members' of the Blue Eagles in the coming days

AT A GLANCE

• The parents of late Ateneo player Divine Adili, Elias and Ifeoma Adili, are visiting the Philippines to attend the Blue Eagles' first two games of UAAP Season 89.
• Ateneo is dedicating the season to the memory of Divine Adili and teammate Rene Baterbonia, with both men's and women's teams wearing patches on their jerseys.
• Despite calls for the team to take a leave of absence following the tragic deaths, Elias Adili encouraged the Blue Eagles to continue playing.

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MANILA, Philippines – For the first time, the parents of late Ateneo big man Divine Adili are in the country to visit the school their son called home and watch the Blue Eagles’ first two games of UAAP Season 89. 

Ateneo announced the development on Sunday, September 13, saying Elias and Ifeoma Adili, who traveled from Nigeria, will be “members” of the Blue Eagles in the coming days.

“[W]e are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have them with us and to spend time together in the days ahead,” the university said in a statement. 

“Their visit carries special meaning for all of us. As the team begins a season dedicated to the memory of Divine and Rene Baterbonia, we are grateful that Divine’s parents can be here with the teammates, friends, and community who shared an important part of his life.” 

Ateneo will open its Season 89 campaign against the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, September 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Eyeing a return to the Final Four after early exits in the last two seasons, the Blue Eagles will then have their mettle tested by perennial finalist UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, September 19, at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Although Ateneo faced calls to take a leave of absence from Season 89 following the deaths of Adili and Baterbonia during a team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, in June, Elias encouraged the Blue Eagles to “continue to play.” 

Dedicating the season to Adili and Baterbonia, Ateneo will have its men’s and women’s basketball teams wear patches with the initials “DA” and “RB” on their jerseys. 

“We ask everyone to receive the Adili family with warmth, care, and respect, while also giving them the privacy and space they need. Above all, they are parents who continue to grieve the loss of their son,” Ateneo said. 

“We hope their time in Ateneo allows them to remember Divine through the people who knew him, played alongside him, and cared for him.” – Rappler.com