Teammates, others raise over N30m for Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji, who died in UK

Public-spirited individuals and teammates of Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, a Nigerian footballer who played as a winger for non-league side Kings Park Rangers in Essex, United Kingdom, have donated £17,055 (about N31m) to the family of the late footballer.

Adeniji, 22, suffered a severe brain stem injury and was admitted on January 15, 2026 to Queen’s Hospital in Romford, where he remained under intensive care for several weeks.

He was later pronounced brain dead but remained on life support while efforts were being made to fly his wife and four-year-old daughter to the UK to see him before he passed naturally or had his life support withdrawn, in accordance with a recent UK law.

Unfortunately, he passed on Friday, shortly before his wife and daughter arrived at his bedside.

In a statement released by Kings Park Rangers, the club said Adeniji “fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived,” adding that his wife and four-year-old daughter, who had been in Nigeria, reached the UK on Saturday, one day after his death.

The club described the winger, affectionately known as “Ola,” as more than just a player, noting his roles as a father, husband, brother and friend. “He will always be a King. He will always be loved,” the statement read.

Fundraising efforts for Saburi Olayinka Adeniji

A certain Joshua Pollard started a GoFundMe campaign for the footballer on 29 January 2026, when it was confirmed that he was brain-dead. 

Pollard said the funds would be used to meet emergency visa application costs, flights and urgent travel expenses, and accommodation and living costs while the wife is in the UK

He wrote, “Saburi leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future.

Beyond the immediate need to reunite his family, this fund will also be used to support his wife financially as she navigates life after this devastating loss & Help secure his daughter’s education and wellbeing back home in Nigeria.”

Support from football community and ongoing planning

Kings Park Rangers and other local teams have expressed deep sorrow over Adeniji’s passing, with surrounding clubs and supporters sharing condolences on social media.

In the days leading up to his death, the club had suspended fixtures and organised community support efforts while Adeniji was critically ill.

A total of 655 donations had been made at the time of filing this report, taking the total sum realised to 17,055 pounds sterling. The target was 17,000 pounds sterling.

Read Also: Nigerian man dies in his sleep in UK