The tragic death of Nigerian non-league football player Saburi Olayinka Adeniji has plunged the football world into intense sadness.

Unfortunately, a day following his death, his wife and daughter, who is four years old, arrived in the UK.

After sustaining a serious brain stem damage, Adeniji, a winger for Kings Park Rangers, spent almost two weeks in critical care.

He never regained consciousness after being admitted to the hospital on January 25.

According to reports, doctors postponed taking him off life support in the hopes that his family, who were flying from Nigeria, would get there in time to bid him farewell.

“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’, passed away yesterday morning. He will always remain part of the Kings Park Rangers family,” the club said.

According to the Halstead-based club, Adeniji was well-liked by everyone because of his work ethic, modesty, and strong family ties.

The club started a fundraising campaign to help his wife and small daughter after the tragedy. Donations have already exceeded £16,000 of the £17,000 goal by the weekend.

When his widow and kid return to Nigeria, the money will be used to pay for emergency visa processing, travel and lodging expenses, and long-term support.

In order to help the family during their time in the UK, the club also arranged extra fundraising events, waived entrance prices at recent games, and observed a minute’s silence prior to their match against Henley Athletic.

In addition to memories on the field, Saburi Adeniji leaves behind a young family that must now adjust to life without him.

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