February 8, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
A UK-based Nigerian footballer, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, has died after suffering a severe brain injury, his club confirmed on Friday, February 7, 2026, triggering an outpouring of tributes from teammates, fans and the wider football community.
Adeniji, who played as a left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club, a non-league team competing in the Eastern Counties League Division One North in Suffolk, England, was admitted to hospital in mid-January following a serious brain injury sustained during a match or training session. Despite intensive medical care, the 23-year-old succumbed to his injuries after battling for several weeks, the club announced on social media.
In their tribute, Kings Park Rangers described Adeniji affectionately known as Ola, as a beloved teammate, friend and family man, noting his “fight to stay with us as long as he could” and the deep sense of loss felt by the club. Supporters, rival teams and local football communities shared condolences and remembered him as a passionate player whose energy and commitment resonated both on and off the pitch.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to support his family’s needs has drawn contributions and messages from across the amateur football world, reflecting solidarity with Adeniji’s loved ones during their grief.
His passing highlights the physical risks associated with competitive sport and has sparked conversations among football supporters and local clubs about player welfare, injury prevention and the measures needed to support athletes and their families in the aftermath of career-ending injuries.