By Our Reporter
UK-based Nigerian footballer, Saburi Adeniji, has died after battling a severe brain stem injury.
Adeniji, a left winger for non-league side Kings Park Rangers Football Club of Sudbury in Suffolk, England, passed away on Friday morning, the club confirmed in a statement on Saturday.
Popularly known as Ola, the Nigerian footballer reportedly held on until arrangements were made for his family to travel to the United Kingdom. His wife and four-year-old daughter arrived a day after his death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that our number 17, Saburi Adeniji, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said. “He fought so hard to remain alive until his family arrived.”
Kings Park Rangers described the late footballer as a devoted family man and a cherished member of the team.
“He will always be a King. He will always be loved—as a husband, father, brother, son and friend,” the statement added.
Adeniji had been admitted to intensive care at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, East London, on January 15, 2026, after suffering a severe brain injury. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and doctors later confirmed he was medically classified as brain dead.
Earlier, the club had suspended all matches and appealed publicly for prayers and support while endorsing a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to bring his family from Nigeria to the UK.
The club said recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, allowing a brief window for family reunification.
Beyond facilitating travel, the fundraising effort was also aimed at supporting Adeniji’s wife and securing the future and education of his daughter.
Kings Park Rangers called on the football community to rally around the bereaved family, describing the loss as devastating.
Saburi Adeniji is survived by his wife and daughter.