Nigerian footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji has died in the United Kingdom after suffering a severe brain injury, sparking an outpouring of grief from teammates, fans and members of the Nigerian football community.
Adeniji, a winger who played for non-league side Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, passed away in hospital on Friday after being admitted to intensive care with a serious brain stem injury.
He was reported to have collapsed and was hospitalised on January 25.
It was learnt that the footballer had battled for days while receiving specialist medical care. His wife and four-year-old daughter travelled from Nigeria to be by his side but arrived a day after his death.
The club confirmed the tragic development in a statement, describing Adeniji as a dedicated player and a valued member of the team.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’. He fought bravely and will always be remembered as a King. He was deeply loved by everyone at the club,” the statement read.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with many describing Adeniji as humble, hardworking and passionate about the game. Fellow players and supporters expressed sorrow over the timing of his death, particularly the fact that his family narrowly missed seeing him before he passed on.
Adeniji’s death has renewed conversations within the football community about player welfare, medical response and support systems for athletes competing at lower levels of the game.
Further details surrounding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
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