Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji, popularly known as Ola, has died after battling a severe brain stem injury.
The left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club passed away on Friday morning, February 6, 2026, at Queen’s Hospital in the UK.
In a heartfelt announcement on Saturday, the club said Adeniji fought to hold on until arrangements were made for his family to travel from Nigeria.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning. 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 statement read.
The club described him as a devoted family man and a valued teammate: “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.”
His Final Battle
Adeniji was admitted into intensive care on January 15, 2026, where doctors later confirmed the severity of his condition and medically classified him as brain dead.
Kings Park Rangers suspended all matches to support him, launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover emergency visas, flights, and accommodation for his wife and four-year-old daughter, and appealed for prayers from the football community.
The club explained that recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, creating a narrow window for his family to arrive. Sadly, they reached the UK a day after his passing.
Adeniji is survived by his wife and young daughter. The club said funds raised will now go toward supporting his family and securing his daughter’s education.
“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,” the statement added.
Kings Park Rangers called on the wider football world to rally around the bereaved family: “This is a moment for the football world to come together — players, clubs, teammates, supporters and friends.”
His death has been described as a devastating loss, not only to his club but to Nigerian football and the global football community.
