A Nigerian non-league footballer has died from a catastrophic brain injury in the UK, passing away just hours before his wife and young daughter could reach him from Nigeria.
Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, died in hospital on Friday following admission to intensive care on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury.
Medical staff delayed withdrawing life support in hopes his family would arrive in time, but the four-year-old daughter and wife landed the morning after his death.
The club confirmed the tragedy in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we must 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 late.”
Kings Park Rangers has rallied support for the bereaved family, with a fundraising campaign raising over £16,000 of its £17,000 target. The Essex and Suffolk Border League club waived recent gate fees to redirect funds toward the family and held a minute’s silence before their match against Henley Athletic.
The fundraising appeal will help cover emergency visa applications, travel costs, and accommodation expenses while the family remains in the UK. Organizers say additional funds will support Adeniji’s widow financially and help secure their daughter’s education back in Nigeria.
“Saburi leaves behind a four-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 fundraising page stated.
The club added: “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.”
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