UK-Based Nigerian Footballer Saburi Adeniji Dies After Brain Injury, Club and Fans Mourn

STORY: Written by Zara February 8,2026
UK-based Nigerian footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, has died in hospital after suffering a severe brain stem injury, triggering an emotional wave of tributes from teammates, supporters, and the non-league football community in England.
Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club in Essex, passed away on Friday at Queen’s Hospital—tragically just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived from Nigeria to see him for the last time.
Confirming the loss in a statement on Saturday, the club said the player had fought bravely to stay alive in hopes of reuniting with his family. “He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. Sadly, they came a day too late,” the club wrote, describing him as a devoted father, husband, teammate, and friend.
Adeniji had been in critical care since January 15. Doctors reportedly delayed withdrawing life support in anticipation of his family’s arrival. In the weeks before his death, Kings Park Rangers and the wider football community rallied around his family, suspending gate fees, holding a minute’s silence, and organising fundraising events in his honour.
A fundraising appeal set up to support his wife and daughter has raised over £16,000 of its £17,000 target, with funds earmarked for emergency visas, travel, accommodation, and long-term family support, including his daughter’s education.
Tributes continue to pour in, celebrating Adeniji’s commitment to his family and his passion for the game.