By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, a winger for non-league side Kings Park Rangers in Essex, has died in the United Kingdom after battling a severe brain injury, sparking grief across the football community in both England and Nigeria.
Adeniji passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, after spending more than three weeks in intensive care at Queen’s Hospital following a serious brain stem injury.
The 22-year-old former care worker, affectionately known as “Ola,” was admitted to hospital on January 15 but never regained consciousness.
Despite medical efforts and compassionate delays in withdrawing life support to allow his family to travel, Adeniji died before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside, arriving in the UK just a day after his passing.
Kings Park Rangers confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement, describing Adeniji as a valued teammate and dedicated player who fought bravely until the end.
“He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived,” the club said, adding that he “will always be a King” and remembered fondly as a friend, husband, father, brother and son.
A fundraising campaign launched during his hospitalisation helped cover emergency visas, travel and accommodation for his family, and supporters have rallied to raise nearly the full £17,000 target to assist them during this difficult time.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, football fans and Nigerians at home and abroad, many expressing sorrow over how young Adeniji was and the timing of his family’s arrival.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced by his family, who continue to mourn the loss of the promising young footballer.
