BREAKING: Well-liked Nigerian Footballer dies in UK [PHOTO]

Tributes have continued to pour in from the grassroots soccer group following the dying of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who died in hospital simply hours earlier than his spouse and younger daughter might attain his bedside.

Adeniji, a winger with Kings Park Rangers, handed away on Friday after spending practically two weeks in intensive care. He had been admitted on January 25 with a catastrophic mind stem harm and by no means regained consciousness.

The heartbreaking information was confirmed by the membership on Saturday, revealing that medical employees had delayed withdrawing life help within the hope that his household, travelling from Nigeria, would arrive in time to say their ultimate goodbyes. His spouse and four-year-old daughter reportedly landed within the UK the next morning, at some point after his dying.

In an emotional assertion, Kings Park Rangers described Adeniji as a beloved determine each on and off the pitch.

“It’s with nice disappointment that we should announce our quantity 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ handed away yesterday morning,” the membership stated. “He fought so exhausting to nonetheless be right here for when his household arrived. His spouse and daughter sadly arrived this morning, a day late. He’ll all the time be a King. He’ll all the time be liked.”

Adeniji performed for the Halstead-based aspect within the Essex and Suffolk Border League and was broadly described by teammates as hardworking, humble and deeply dedicated to his household.

Following his collapse, the membership launched a fundraising enchantment to help his household with emergency bills. As of the weekend, the marketing campaign had raised greater than £16,000 of its £17,000 goal, with donations coming in from fellow gamers, supporters and members of the broader soccer group.

Kings Park Rangers additionally waived gate charges at current matches, redirecting proceeds to the enchantment, and held a minute’s silence earlier than their fixture towards Henley Athletic. A separate fundraising occasion was organised to additional help the household throughout their keep within the UK.

In one other message, the membership stated it had been overwhelmed by the size of help, thanking donors and supporters for rallying round Adeniji’s family members throughout what it described as an unimaginably painful time.

The fundraising web page famous that the cash would assist cowl emergency visa processing, journey and lodging prices, in addition to present longer-term help for Adeniji’s widow and daughter after their return to Nigeria.

“Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored,” the organisers wrote. “He labored tirelessly to offer for his household and was dedicated to securing a greater future and training for his baby.”

They added that the enchantment was additionally meant to assist his spouse rebuild her life after the tragedy and guarantee his daughter’s welfare.