Heartfelt tributes have been paid to non-league footballer Saburi “Ola” Adeniji following his tragic death after suffering a catastrophic brain injury.
The Kings Park Rangers winger passed away in hospital on Friday, just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter arrived from Nigeria to say their final goodbyes. Adeniji had been receiving intensive care at Queen’s Hospital since January 15 after sustaining a severe brain stem injury, with medical staff delaying the withdrawal of life support in the hope his family could reach him in time.
Based in Halstead, Essex, Kings Park Rangers have rallied around the Adeniji family during the devastating period. The club confirmed the news in an emotional statement, remembering the popular player not only for his contributions on the pitch but for the person he was off it.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning,” the statement read. “He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. He will always be a King. He will always be loved.”
A fundraising page set up to support his family with expenses has already raised more than £16,000, reflecting the strong community spirit surrounding the club.
Friends, teammates and supporters continue to honour Adeniji’s memory, celebrating a dedicated footballer, husband and father gone far too soon.
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