A wave of grief has swept through the English non-league football community following the tragic death of Nigerian winger, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away from a brain injury before his wife and young daughter could reach his hospital bedside on Friday.
Adeniji, who played for Kings Park Rangers, a club based in Halstead, Essex, died in hospital just a day before his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived from Nigeria.
Following the injury, the club and its supporters rallied around Adeniji’s family. A fundraising page was launched to support them with travel expenses, raising over £16,000 of its £17,000 target.
In recent weeks, Kings Park Rangers suspended gate fees for fans, encouraging them instead to donate to Adeniji’s family fund, a gesture that has been widely praised within the local football community.
The 31-year-old was admitted into intensive care at Queen’s Hospital on January 15, after suffering a severe brain stem injury. He was placed on life support while doctors fought to stabilise him. According to reports, the hospital placed him on life support machine, hoping his family would arrive in time to say their final goodbyes. Sadly, they did not make it.
In a statement released on Saturday, Kings Park Rangers confirmed the devastating loss.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club wrote. “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.”
