Football Community Mourns as Saburi Adeniji's Family Confirms Burial Plans
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the tragic death of footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji in the United Kingdom. The family has now officially reacted to the heartbreaking loss and confirmed detailed burial arrangements for the late player.
Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Adeniji's Passing
Saburi Adeniji suffered a devastating brain stem injury on January 15, 2026, which led to his immediate admission to the Critical Care Department at Queen's Hospital. Medical professionals placed him in intensive care as his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite the best efforts of healthcare providers, the injury proved fatal.
In a particularly poignant twist of fate, Adeniji passed away on February 6, just one day before his wife and young daughter could arrive from Nigeria to be with him during his final moments. The hospital had reportedly delayed turning off life support systems to allow time for his family's arrival, but unfortunately, his condition worsened before they could reach his bedside.
Club Support and Fundraising Efforts
Adeniji's football club demonstrated remarkable solidarity during this difficult period. Kings Park Rangers established a fundraising campaign that successfully raised approximately £16,000 to facilitate the travel of his immediate family from Nigeria to England. This financial support aimed to ensure his wife and daughter could be present during his palliative care.
The club released an emotional statement acknowledging Adeniji's passing: "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. 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. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji."
Burial Arrangements Confirmed by Family
The Adeniji family, through popular entertainer and brother Etioba, has officially announced the burial details for the late footballer. According to information shared on Etioba's Instagram platform, Saburi Adeniji will be laid to rest at Colchester Cemetery on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at precisely 1:45 PM Greenwich Mean Time.
The decision to conduct the burial in the United Kingdom rather than Nigeria reflects the practical circumstances surrounding his passing and the location of immediate family members during this period of mourning.
Outpouring of Tributes and Condolences
The football community has responded with an overwhelming wave of support and sympathy for the Adeniji family. Fans, teammates, and fellow athletes have taken to social media platforms to express their grief and offer condolences.
Notable tributes include:
- @princess_delola wrote: "It is well bro, may the Lord comfort you and the family. I can't imagine how heavy this is for you. Take heart please."
- @emperorkeji shared: "My condolences bro, may Saburi rest in peace. Painful to hear that he is no more a few years after Suraju Adeniji, his elder brother who was my high schoolmate passed away. I believe they are in a better place now."
- @lanreofour expressed: "May his gentle soul rest in peace amin ya allah. Accept my condolences to your family please."
- @adejoke_taofeek offered: "My condolences to you brother, may the Lord comfort you and your family on this difficult time amen."
- @ekun_dee stated: "This cuts deep, so sorry for this loss. May his soul rest in peace."
Football Community United in Grief
The broader Nigerian football community has come together in solidarity following this tragic loss. Both domestic supporters and the international non-league football fraternity have paid glowing tributes to Adeniji, remembering his contributions to the sport and his character both on and off the field.
This unfortunate incident marks another painful chapter for the Adeniji family, who previously lost another family member, Suraju Adeniji, several years earlier. The double tragedy has compounded the grief experienced by relatives and friends, though many have expressed faith that both brothers are now in a better spiritual place.
The burial ceremony scheduled for February 10 will provide an opportunity for those who knew and admired Saburi Adeniji to gather, remember his life, and offer final respects to a footballer whose potential was tragically cut short.
