Saburi Adeniji, a Nigerian footballer playing for non-league side Kings Park Rangers FC in Suffolk, England, has died after a battle with a severe brain stem injury.
The club announced his passing in a Saturday statement, revealing the left winger, popularly known as Ola, died on Friday morning. The statement noted he "fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived," but his wife and daughter arrived from Nigeria a day later.
“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,” the club's tribute read.
Adeniji was admitted to intensive care at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, on January 15, 2026. As his condition deteriorated, doctors classified him as brain dead. Recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, creating a narrow window for his family to travel.
The club had earlier paused all matches and endorsed a GoFundMe campaign to raise emergency funds for visas, flights, and accommodation to bring his wife and four-year-old daughter to the UK. The fundraiser also aimed to support his family's future and his daughter's education.
“Saburi leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future,” the campaign statement read.
Kings Park Rangers described Adeniji as a devoted family man and valued teammate, calling on the football community to rally around his bereaved family. “This is a moment for the football world to come together — players, clubs, teammates, supporters and friends,” the club urged.
His death has cast a pall over the Eastern Counties League Division One North club and the wider grassroots football community in England, highlighting the personal tragedies that can strike athletes far from home.
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