Kings Park Rangers Football Club has confirmed the tragic passing of their Nigerian left winger, Saburi Adeniji (popularly known as Ola), following a prolonged fight against a severe brain stem injury.
In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, the club announced that Adeniji passed away on Friday morning while in intensive care at Queen’s Hospital.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club wrote.
“He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter, unfortunately, arrived this morning, a day late.”
The club described Adeniji as a devoted family man, cherished teammate, and integral part of the Kings Park Rangers family.
“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,” the statement added.
Adeniji’s condition deteriorated rapidly after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on January 15, 2026. His consultant in critical care confirmed he had been classified as brain dead due to the severity of the injury.
Recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, providing a brief window for his wife and four-year-old daughter to travel from Nigeria to be by his side.
The club had earlier suspended all matches in solidarity with Adeniji and launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover emergency visa processing, flights, accommodation, and living expenses for his family, as well as long-term support.
Adeniji is survived by his wife and young daughter, whom he adored and worked tirelessly to provide a better future through education and stability.
Kings Park Rangers called on the wider football community to rally around Adeniji’s family during this difficult time.
“This is a moment for the football world to come together players, clubs, teammates, supporters and friends,” the club concluded.
