Elias Adili and Ifeoma Joy Adili, parents of the late Ateneo Blue Eagles player Divine Adili, answer questions from the media at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The parents of late Ateneo student-athlete Divine Adili expressed their full support for the Blue Eagles in their campaign in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament, ahead of their trip back home to Nigeria.
Elias and Ifeoma Adili had watched the Blue Eagles' first two games of the season — a win over University of the East in their opener and a loss to the University of the Philippines last Saturday.
This was their first trip to the Philippines, coming months after the tragic drowning incident on June 8 that claimed the lives of Divine and incoming Ateneo rookie Rene Baterbonia.
READ: Divine Adili's parents watch Ateneo's first game
"Thank you. On behalf of our family ... We are saying thank you to the Ateneo community for the hospitality, for the warm reception that we received," Elias said after the game against UP, wherein the Blue Eagles faltered in the second half and absorbed a 94-75 defeat.
"We thank you so much. God bless you all. To the school, to the community, to the teammates, I say thank you all," he added.
Elias assured the Blue Eagles of their continued support even as they head back home.
"Keep playing. Forget about yesterday's loss. You win your next game," he said. "We are behind you. I'll watch your game from Nigeria. Just as you're playing, know I am watching."
Fr RB Hizon SJ, the spokesperson of Ateneo de Manila University, said in a statement that the Adilis had been present with the Blue Eagles after the loss against UP.
"They shook hands with everyone, spoke warmly with our players and coaches, congratulated them for their relentless effort, and offered comfort in the wake of the loss," said Hizon.
"If anyone in that room needed consolation, it was Mr. and Mrs. Adili, who are still deeply mourning the loss of their son. Yet, in a quiet gesture of grace that left no heart untouched, they came not seeking comfort, but freely bestowing it—surrounding us with extraordinary courage, dignity, and love," he added.
"It was deeply moving to see Divine's parents surrounded by his teammates, embracing them with a true parent's heart."
The Adilis would later have dinner with other Ateneo parents, according to Hizon.
On September 17, after Ateneo's season-opener, the Adili family went to Dipaculao, Aurora, in a "deeply solemn trip" that was "marked by prayers and the celebration of the Holy Mass."
"We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Adili for gracing us with their presence these past days and for sharing so much of themselves with Divine's teammates and our broader community," said Hizon.
Ateneo returns to action on Saturday, September 26 against Adamson University.
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