The football community has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of Nigerian non-league footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away on Friday after spending close to two weeks in intensive care. Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club in Essex, UK, was admitted to hospital in mid-January with a severe brain stem injury and never regained consciousness.

The tragedy was profoundly compounded by the fact that his wife and four-year-year-old daughter, travelling from Nigeria, arrived in the United Kingdom the following morning, a day after his death. Kings Park Rangers confirmed this heartbreaking development, revealing that doctors had delayed withdrawing life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say their final farewells. However, despite his valiant fight, he could not hold on long enough to see them again.

In a poignant tribute, Kings Park Rangers described Adeniji, known as 'Ola' and their number 17, as much more than just a player. He was a cherished member of the team, widely respected by teammates for his humility, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to supporting his family. The club's statement conveyed deep sorrow: “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.” They 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. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji,” emphasizing that he would always remain part of the Kings Park Rangers family.

The Halstead-based side, which competes in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, rallied around Adeniji and his family in the weeks leading up to his death, sparking an outpouring of grief and support from the non-league football community across England. Following the tragedy, the club launched a fundraising appeal to help cover urgent expenses for his family. By the weekend, donations had soared, exceeding £16,000 of the £17,000 target, drawing overwhelming support from fellow players, supporters, and members of the wider football community.

As part of the extensive support efforts, Kings Park Rangers waived gate fees at recent matches, turning matchday income into donations. A minute’s silence was observed before their fixture against Henley Athletic, and a separate fundraising event was organised in his honour to assist the family during their stay in the UK. The club expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming response, thanking donors for standing by Adeniji’s loved ones during what was described as an extremely difficult time.

Information shared on the fundraising page detailed that the substantial funds raised would be used to cover essential costs such as emergency visa processing, travel expenses, and accommodation for his family in the UK. Crucially, the appeal is also aimed at providing longer-term financial support for Adeniji’s widow and securing the welfare and future of his young daughter upon their return to Nigeria. Organisers highlighted that Adeniji was a deeply devoted father and husband who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future. The appeal concluded with a call for the football world to unite, stressing that "Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak.”