Fast-rising Nigerian footballer, Saburi Adeniji passes away in UK

The football community has been thrown into deep mourning following the heartbreaking death of Nigerian non-league footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji.

Tragically, his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived the United Kingdom (UK) just a day after he passed away.

Adeniji, who played as a winger for Kings Park Rangers, had been in intensive care for nearly two weeks after suffering a severe brain stem injury.

He was admitted to hospital on January 25 and never regained consciousness.

Doctors reportedly delayed withdrawing life support in hopes that his family, travelling from Nigeria, would arrive in time to say their final goodbyes.

Sadly, he passed away on Friday morning. His wife and daughter arrived the following day.

In an emotional tribute, Kings Park Rangers described 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. He will always remain part of the Kings Park Rangers family,” the club said.

The Halstead-based club said Adeniji was widely respected for his humility, work ethic, and deep devotion to his family.

Following the tragedy, the club launched a fundraising appeal to support his wife and young daughter. By the weekend, donations had already surpassed £16,000 of the £17,000 target.

The funds are set to cover emergency visa processing, travel and accommodation costs, and provide long-term support for his widow and child when they return to Nigeria.

The club also waived gate fees at recent matches, observed a minute’s silence before their fixture against Henley Athletic, and organised additional fundraising events to support the family during their stay in the UK.

Saburi Adeniji leaves behind not just memories on the pitch, but a young family now forced to navigate life without him.