Saburi Adeniji death Kings Park Rangers: Nigerian winger dies in UK after brain stem injury as club pays tribute and backs bereaved family
Kings Park Rangers Football Club has announced the death of Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji following a severe brain stem injury, describing the loss as devastating for the team and his family.
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The non league side, which competes in the Eastern Counties League Division One North, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that Saburi Adeniji, popularly known as Ola, passed away on Friday morning in hospital.
Kings Park Rangers said Saburi Adeniji fought to stay alive until arrangements were made for his wife and daughter to travel from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. The club said his family arrived a day after his passing.
Kings Park Rangers described Saburi Adeniji as a devoted family man and a cherished member of the squad, adding that he would always be remembered with affection by teammates and supporters.
The club had earlier appealed for prayers and financial support after Saburi Adeniji was admitted into intensive care at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, on 15 January 2026.
On 17 January, Kings Park Rangers suspended fixtures to allow players and officials remain by his bedside as his condition deteriorated.
A fundraising campaign was later endorsed by the club to enable emergency visa processing and travel for his wife and young daughter from Nigeria.
According to information shared through the campaign, consultants in critical care confirmed the severity of Saburi Adeniji’s condition and allowed a brief window for his family to be present.
Kings Park Rangers said funds raised would also support Saburi Adeniji’s wife and help secure the education and wellbeing of his four year old daughter.
The club called on the football community to rally around the bereaved family during what it described as an immensely painful period.
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Saburi Adeniji is survived by his wife and daughter.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
