Nigerian Footballer Dies from Catastrophic Brain Injury in UK

Nigerian Footballer Dies from Catastrophic Brain Injury in UK

The football community is mourning the tragic death of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away in the United Kingdom following a catastrophic brain injury. Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, died on Friday, January 26, 2026, just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside.

Adeniji had been admitted to intensive care on January 25 after suffering a severe brain stem injury. Medical staff reportedly delayed switching off life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time, but tragically, they reached the UK a day too late.

The Kings Park Rangers football club expressed deep sorrow in an official statement, saying:

“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. 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. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji.”

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The club rallied around Adeniji’s family, launching a fundraising appeal to support them with travel, accommodation, and other expenses. The appeal has already raised more than £16,000 of its £17,000 target. According to the fundraising page, the money will assist with emergency visa applications, travel, and accommodation, and will also support his wife and daughter in Nigeria, including his daughter’s education.

“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 appeal noted.

In a tribute, Kings Park Rangers waived gate fees for recent matches, redirecting proceeds to the family, observed a minute’s silence before their match against Henley Athletic, and organised additional fundraising events. The club thanked the public for their overwhelming support.

Friends, teammates, and supporters have taken to social media to pay tribute, remembering Adeniji as a dedicated footballer, loving father, and devoted husband. His untimely death is a stark reminder of the risks athletes face and the importance of medical readiness, rapid intervention, and player welfare.

“This is a moment for the football world to come together — players, clubs, teammates, supporters, and friends. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak,” the fundraising page added.

Saburi Adeniji’s passing has left a profound void in both the Nigerian and UK football communities, with his talent, dedication, and love for his family being fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Nigerian Footballer Dies from Catastrophic Brain Injury in UK