Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian non-league footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, has died in the United Kingdom after suffering a catastrophic brain stem injury, prompting an outpouring of tributes from teammates, supporters and members of the Nigerian community.
Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers FC, a grassroots club based in Halstead, Essex, passed away in hospital on Friday, February 6, 2026, after spending several days in intensive care.
The footballer was admitted to hospital in late January following a severe brain injury and was placed on life support as his condition deteriorated. Medical staff reportedly delayed withdrawing life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to see him.
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However, his wife and four-year-old daughter, who travelled from Nigeria after emergency arrangements were made, arrived in the UK a day after his death, deepening the tragedy.
Confirming the development, Kings Park Rangers FC announced Adeniji’s passing in an emotional statement released on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said.
“He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter unfortunately arrived this morning, a day late.
“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.”
Following the incident, the club launched a GoFundMe campaign to help facilitate emergency travel, visa processing and accommodation for Adeniji’s family so they could be reunited with him in the UK and make final arrangements.
As of the weekend, the fundraising appeal had raised more than £16,000 of its £17,000 target.
Kings Park Rangers also waived gate fees at recent matches, redirecting proceeds to the family, and observed a minute’s silence before their league fixture against Henley Athletic. A separate fundraising event was organised in his honour.
According to the fundraising page, Adeniji was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his wife and young daughter.
“Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored,” the statement read.
“He was deeply committed to giving her a good education and a better future. This fund will also support his wife financially as she navigates life after this devastating loss.”
The club later said it was “overwhelmed by the support” received from the football community and the wider public.
Adeniji’s death has renewed conversations around player welfare at the grassroots level, where access to medical resources and emergency care is often limited compared to professional football.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
