Sports
Nigerian Footballer Saburi Adeniji dies after brain injury in England
The winger, who played for Kings Park Rangers in Essex, was admitted to intensive care on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury.
Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Nigerian non-league footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away in the United Kingdom after suffering a catastrophic brain injury, just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived to see him.
Adeniji, a winger with Kings Park Rangers FC in Halstead, Essex, died on Friday after spending days in intensive care.
He had been admitted to hospital on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury.
In a heartbreaking twist, his wife and young daughter travelled from Nigeria to be by his side but arrived a day after his death, despite medical staff reportedly delaying the withdrawal of life support in hopes that the family would arrive in time to say goodbye.
Confirming the development in a statement released on Saturday, Kings Park Rangers described Adeniji as a fighter who held on for as long as he could.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning. He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived.
“His wife and daughter unfortunately arrived this morning, a day late,” the club said.
“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.”
Following the incident, the club rallied around the bereaved family, launching a fundraising appeal which has so far raised over £16,000 of its £17,000 target to help cover emergency visa processing, travel, accommodation and other expenses.
As part of its support efforts, Kings Park Rangers waived gate fees at recent matches, redirecting proceeds to the family.
The club also observed a minute’s silence before their league match against Henley Athletic and organised a special fundraising event in Adeniji’s honour.
“We are overwhelmed with the support and on behalf of everyone involved with the club, we are deeply grateful,” the club added in a separate statement.
The fundraising page described Adeniji as a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to provide a better future for his loved ones.
“Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter whom he adored. He was deeply committed to her education and wellbeing.”
“Beyond reuniting his family, the fund will support his wife as she navigates life after this devastating loss and help secure his daughter’s future back home in Nigeria.”
The appeal also called on the global football community to stand with the family during what it described as an “unimaginable heartbreak.”
Adeniji’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from teammates, fans and members of the Nigerian and UK football communities, many of whom have praised his humility, dedication and love for his family.
Follow Us on Google Discover
PFIPC: Reps clear Gbajabiamila, uncover forged documents
Wike tackles APC governors, accuses Uzodinma, Abdulrazaq of plotting against him
Akwa Ibom Gov’t sparks controversy after describing Akpabio as ‘Acting President’
I think about Tinubu’s re-election everyday, if he loses, Atiku, Obi will deal with me – Wike
Kwankwaso arrives Port Harcourt ahead of 2027 election
Uber announces exit from Nigeria after 12 years
2027: Any LG chairman who fails to deliver victory for APC, Tinubu will lose his seat – Gov Nwifuru
Wike sets 2027 deadline for completion of FCT projects
African Union to launch credit rating agency October 7
Tinubu’s ‘dictatorship’ may end Nigeria’s democracy, SDP’s Adebayo warns
UEFA unveils special debut patches for UCL debutants
Nigeria records 14 fresh Lassa Fever cases – NCDC
NDA publishes 78th regular combatant course admission list
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
Five suspects arrested as police recover stolen vehicles in Cross River
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
2027: I will review NELFUND, offer debt forgiveness to Nigerian students – Atiku vows
I think about Tinubu’s re-election everyday, if he loses, Atiku, Obi will deal with me – Wike
‘Why can’t Nigerians buy petrol for N441-N872 per litre like, UAE, Angola Sudi Arabia, others’ – Atiku questions Tinubu
On LG Autonomy: I will send funds directly to LGs from Day 1 in office – Atiku vows
Yuguda warns Nigerians against Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy, says its a political bait
2027: APC chieftain resigns, rejects support for Tinubu, Bauchi Governorship candidate
Don’t discuss Atiku’s NYSC certificate case against Tinubu in public – Judge warns lawyers
Tinubu’s effort to secure Trump’s support for re-election has failed – Atiku’s lobbying firm claim
North, biggest beneficiary of my reforms — Tinubu, Arewa Forum, others disagree
Xenophobia: Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of its citizens in South Africa — Shettima
Nollywood hit by another loss as Atinuke Kareem dies after prolonged cancer battle
2027: Major Jack picked as Chinda’s running mate in Rivers
How security forces rescued 15 NYSC members, six others from Kogi kidnappers – Police
