The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of non-league winger Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who passed away in the United Kingdom after nearly two weeks in intensive care.
Adeniji, who played for Kings Park Rangers, died on Friday after suffering a severe brain stem injury.
He was hospitalised on January 25 and never regained consciousness.
In a heartbreaking twist, the tragedy was compounded by the fact that he died just hours before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach him from Nigeria.
The club confirmed that doctors delayed withdrawing life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say their final goodbyes, but they arrived the following morning a day after his passing.
Kings Park Rangers, in a statement released on Saturday, described Adeniji as more than a footballer, calling him a beloved member of the club and a fighter who showed immense courage until the end.
In response to the tragedy, the club launched a fundraising appeal to support his family with urgent expenses. By the weekend, donations had surpassed £16,000 of the £17,000 target, with contributions pouring in from players, supporters, and members of the wider football community.
As part of the tribute and support efforts, the club waived gate fees at recent fixtures, observed a minute’s silence before their match against Henley Athletic, and organised additional fundraising activities to assist the family during their stay in the UK.
