Grief has continued to spread following the death of Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji, popularly known as Ola, after it emerged that his wife and young daughter arrived in the United Kingdom barely a day after he passed away.
Adeniji, a 26-year-old left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club of Sudbury, a non-league team competing in the Eastern Counties League Division One North, died on Friday morning after battling a severe brain stem injury.
The club confirmed his death in a statement released on Saturday, revealing that the footballer had fought to stay alive long enough for his family to arrive from Nigeria.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning,” the club said.
“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 news sparked widespread heartbreak on social media, with Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as members of the UK football community, expressing sorrow over the painful timing of his family’s arrival.
In a community update shared on X, UK-based influencer Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, confirmed the passing and noted that Adeniji’s wife and daughter were unable to see him before his death.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who died yesterday following a severe brain stem injury,” he wrote.
“Sadly, his wife and daughter only arrived in the UK today.”
Kuti also conveyed the family’s appreciation to those who donated to the GoFundMe campaign set up during Adeniji’s illness, thanking supporters for their generosity and kindness during the difficult period.
A childhood friend of the late footballer, Oke Samuel, described Adeniji as selfless and deeply committed to his family. Reflecting on their shared upbringing, he said Adeniji left Nigeria not for pride, but to provide a better life for those he loved.
“Death took you too soon, but it can never take who you were or what you meant to me,” he wrote.
Several social media users also shared emotional reactions. One user described the story as devastating, noting the pain of knowing that Adeniji’s wife and daughter were travelling with hope of seeing him, only to arrive after his passing. Another called the incident “incredibly heavy,” saying the thought of missing a final goodbye by hours was heartbreaking.
Influencer EtiOba also paid tribute on Instagram, sharing photos with Adeniji, including childhood memories. “Grief is love with nowhere to go,” he wrote. “Good night brother. Rest well.”
Earlier in January, Kings Park Rangers had publicly disclosed Adeniji’s critical condition and announced the suspension of all club matches as a sign of support. The club later backed a GoFundMe campaign organised by Joshua Pollard to raise funds to bring Adeniji’s wife and four-year-old daughter from Nigeria to the UK.
According to details shared on the fundraising page, Adeniji was admitted to intensive care at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, on January 15, 2026. Medical experts later confirmed that his condition had deteriorated and that he was medically classified as brain dead.
The hospital reportedly allowed a short window for his family to travel, delaying the withdrawal of life support to give them a chance to be with him.
As of the time of filing this report, donations on the GoFundMe page had reached £16,479, representing 97 per cent of the £17,000 target, with over 630 donations from supporters, many of them Nigerians in the diaspora.
Beyond reuniting the family, the club said the funds would also help support Adeniji’s widow and secure his daughter’s education.
As of the time of filing this report, checks by TrendTheories showed that the GoFundMe campaign had raised £16,479, reaching 97% of its £17,000 target, with over 630 donations, many from Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Beyond covering travel expenses, the club said the funds would also support Adeniji’s widow and help secure his daughter’s education.
