A Nigerian footballer based in the UK who played for Kings Park Rangers Saburi Adeniji, has passed away after struggling with a serious brain stem injury, as confirmed by his club.
In a statement released on Saturday, Kings Park Rangers Football Club announced that the left winger, affectionately known as Ola, died on Friday morning after spending several weeks in intensive care.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, yesterday morning,” the statement said.
“He fought valiantly to hold on until his family arrived. Unfortunately, his wife and daughter arrived this morning, a day too late.”
The club described Adeniji as a dedicated family man and a beloved member of the Kings Park Rangers community.
“He will always be a King. He will always be cherished as a friend, father, husband, brother, and son,” the statement continued.
Adeniji’s death follows a public appeal from the club for prayers and financial assistance after he was admitted to intensive care.
On January 17, Kings Park Rangers announced that the winger was bedridden and decided to suspend all matches in support of their teammate.
“We are asking everyone to pray for our left winger Saburi Adeniji (Ola). All Kings Park Rangers games will be paused as we stand by him at his bedside until he recovers,” the club stated at that time.
As his health worsened, the club initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to bring his wife and young daughter from Nigeria to the UK.
In a detailed update on the fundraising page, the club revealed that Adeniji was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Queen’s Hospital on January 15, 2026, under the Critical Care Department’s supervision.
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“According to his critical care consultant, his condition has continued to decline, and he is now considered to be nearing death,” the statement noted. “Due to the severity of his injury, Saburi has been classified as brain dead.”
The club explained that recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, allowing a brief opportunity for his family to travel.
“The hospital has compassionately provided a short window for Saburi’s family to come to the UK so they can be with him before he passes naturally or before life support is withdrawn,” the statement added.
The funds raised were intended to cover emergency visa processing, flights, accommodation, and living expenses for his family, as well as to provide long-term support.
Saburi Adeniji is survived by his wife and four-year-old daughter.
“He leaves behind a daughter he cherished,” the club stated. “He worked tirelessly to support his family and was deeply committed to ensuring his daughter received a good education and a better future.”
Kings Park Rangers expressed that the loss is devastating.
