The death of the Nigerian non-league footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji has left the football community in deep mourning, with the tragedy compounded by the fact that he passed away just hours before his wife and young daughter could reach him in hospital.
Adeniji, who featured as a winger for Kings Park Rangers, died on Friday after spending close to two weeks in intensive care.
He was admitted to hospital on January 25 following a severe brain stem injury and never regained consciousness.
Kings Park Rangers confirmed the development on Saturday, revealing that doctors delayed withdrawing life support in the hope that his family, travelling from Nigeria, would arrive in time to say their final farewells.
However, his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived in the United Kingdom the following morning, a day after his death.
In paying tribute, the club described Adeniji as more than just a player, but a cherished member of the team who showed remarkable strength until the end.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning,” the club said, adding that he would always remain part of the Kings Park Rangers family.
The Halstead-based side, which competes in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, said Adeniji was widely respected by teammates for his humility, tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to supporting his family.
Following the tragedy, the club launched a fundraising appeal to help cover urgent expenses for his family.
By the weekend, donations had exceeded £16,000 of the £17,000 target, drawing support from fellow players, supporters and members of the wider football community.
As part of the support efforts, Kings Park Rangers waived gate fees at recent matches, held a minute’s silence before their fixture against Henley Athletic, and organised a separate fundraising event to assist the family during their stay in the UK.
In a subsequent message, the club expressed appreciation for the overwhelming response, thanking donors for standing by Adeniji’s loved ones during what it described as an extremely difficult time.
Information on the fundraising page indicated that the funds would be used to cover emergency visa processing, travel and accommodation costs, as well as provide longer-term support for Adeniji’s widow and daughter upon their return to Nigeria.
Organisers noted that the appeal is aimed at helping his wife rebuild her life and securing the welfare and future of his young daughter, to whom Adeniji was deeply devoted.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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