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Nigerian footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji has passed away after battling a severe brain stem injury in the United Kingdom.
The left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club died on the morning of Friday, February 6, 2026. The club confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, noting that Adeniji had held on until arrangements were made for his family to travel to the UK.
“It is with great sadness that we 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 too late,” the statement read.
“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.”
Adeniji’s passing comes weeks after the club appealed publicly for prayers and financial support following his admission into intensive care. On January 17, 2026, Kings Park Rangers launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to bring his wife and young daughter from Nigeria to the UK as his condition worsened.
According to the club, Adeniji was admitted to intensive care on January 15 at Queen’s Hospital, where doctors later confirmed the severity of his brain stem injury. All club matches were temporarily suspended to allow the team to focus on supporting him.
Recent changes in UK medical law had delayed the withdrawal of life support, pending further assessments, which created a narrow window for his family to travel and be with him. The fundraising campaign aimed to cover emergency visa processing, flights, accommodation, and living expenses for his wife and daughter.
“We are in urgent need of support to help the family of Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, a devoted husband, loving father, and valued member of Kings Park Rangers Football Club,” the club said in a statement.
Saburi leaves behind his 4-year-old daughter, whom he adored. The club emphasized his dedication to providing for his family and securing his daughter’s education and future. The fundraising campaign also aimed to assist his wife financially after this devastating loss and help ensure his daughter’s wellbeing.
“This is a moment for the football world to come together – players, clubs, teammates, supporters, and friends. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak,” the statement concluded.
