Nigerian footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji has reportedly died in the United Kingdom after suffering a severe brain injury, plunging the Nigerian football community into mourning.
Adeniji, who played for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, passed away in hospital on Friday after spending nearly two weeks in intensive care. He was admitted on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury and never regained consciousness.
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Wife and Daughter Arrive Too Late
Adeniji passed away just hours before his wife and four-year-old daughter, travelling from Nigeria, could reach his bedside.
Doctors reportedly delayed withdrawing life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say their final goodbyes. However, they arrived in the UK the following morning, one day after his death.
Club Confirms Death, Pays Emotional Tribute
Kings Park Rangers confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, paying tribute to the Nigerian winger and describing him as more than just a player.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said.
“He fought hard until the very end and will always remain part of the Kings Park Rangers family.”
In a separate statement, the club added:
“Ola fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter, unfortunately, arrived this morning, a day late. He will always be a King. He will always be loved.”
Respected Teammate and Devoted Family Man
The Halstead-based club, which competes in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, said Adeniji was widely respected by teammates for his humility, tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication to providing for his family.
Teammates described him as a devoted husband and loving father whose ambition was to play at a higher professional level, an aspiration they say was matched by his commitment on the training ground.
“I met Ola back in 2023 when we played against each other,” said teammate Joshua Pollard. “After the game, we spoke, and the rest is history; a true friendship was built. We are absolutely blown away by the support.”
Fundraising Appeal Draws Wide Support
In response to the tragedy, Kings Park Rangers launched a fundraising appeal to support Adeniji’s family with urgent expenses. By the weekend, donations had exceeded £16,000, nearing the £17,000 target, with contributions from players, supporters and members of the wider football community.
The club also waived gate fees at recent matches, observed a minute’s silence before their fixture against Henley Athletic, and organised additional fundraising activities to assist the family during their stay in the UK.
Legacy and Ongoing Support for His Family
The club also confirmed that Adeniji’s No. 17 shirt will remain a symbol of his impact and legacy at Kings Park Rangers.
According to the fundraising page, the funds will be used to cover emergency visa processing, travel and accommodation costs, as well as provide longer-term support for Adeniji’s widow and young daughter upon their return to Nigeria.
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