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Tributes Pour In After Death of Nigerian Footballer Saburi Adeniji in UK
Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away from a catastrophic brain injury just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside.
Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, died in hospital on Friday after being admitted to intensive care on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury. Despite desperate efforts, his family—who travelled from Nigeria to be with him—arrived in the UK a day after his passing.
Medical staff reportedly delayed switching off life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say goodbye. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Kings Park Rangers in a statement released on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said.
“He 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—as a friend, as a dad, as a husband, as a brother, and as a son. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji.”
The club has rallied strongly around Adeniji’s family. A fundraising appeal launched to support them has raised over £16,000 of its £17,000 target, helping to cover emergency visa applications, travel, accommodation, and other expenses while they remain in the UK.
Kings Park Rangers also waived gate fees at recent matches, redirecting proceeds to the family, observed a minute’s silence before their fixture against Henley Athletic, and organised additional fundraising events in his honour.
In another message, the club said it was “overwhelmed by the support shown” by the football community.
The fundraising page highlighted Adeniji’s devotion to his family, describing him as a loving father who worked tirelessly to secure a better future for his daughter.
“Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored,” the statement read.
“He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future.
“Beyond reuniting his family during this tragic time, the fund will also help support his wife financially and secure his daughter’s education and wellbeing back home in Nigeria.”
The appeal concluded with a call for unity across the football world, noting that “every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak.”
