Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away in a UK hospital after suffering a severe brain injury, just hours before his wife and young daughter could reach him.
Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, died on Friday after being placed on life support. He had been admitted to intensive care on January 25 with what doctors described as a catastrophic brain stem injury.
His club confirmed that Adeniji’s family, who travelled from Nigeria after learning of his condition, arrived in the United Kingdom a day after his death, despite efforts by medical staff to keep him alive until they could say goodbye.
In a statement released on Saturday, Kings Park Rangers described the loss as devastating.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said. “He fought bravely to hold on until his family arrived, but sadly his wife and daughter reached the UK a day too late.”
The club added that Adeniji would always be remembered as a valued teammate, husband, father and friend.
In response to the tragedy, the club and wider football community rallied to support the bereaved family. A fundraising campaign launched to assist with travel, accommodation and other costs has raised more than £16,000 toward its £17,000 target.
Kings Park Rangers also waived gate fees for recent matches, redirecting proceeds to the family, and observed a minute’s silence before their fixture against Henley Athletic. A separate fundraising event was organised to further support the family.
“We are overwhelmed by the support shown,” the club said in a follow-up message.
Details on the fundraising page noted that the donations would cover emergency visa processing, travel expenses and living costs while Adeniji’s family remains in the UK. The fund will also provide longer-term financial support for his wife and help secure the education and welfare of his four-year-old daughter in Nigeria.
“Saburi worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply devoted to his daughter,” the page stated. “This is a moment for the football world to come together to support a young family facing unimaginable loss.”
