Non-League Footballer Declared Brain Dead as Family Races to UK Bedside
Non-league football club Kings Park Rangers have confirmed that their player Saburi Adeniji has been declared brain dead following a catastrophic brain stem injury earlier this month. The devastating news has prompted an urgent fundraising campaign to bring his family from Nigeria to his hospital bedside in the UK.
Critical Condition and Hospital Admission
Saburi Adeniji sustained the severe injury earlier in January and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Queen's Hospital on 15 January 2026. According to medical professionals at the Critical Care Department, his condition has continued to deteriorate significantly, leading to the heartbreaking prognosis that he is now considered to be imminently dying.
The club released an emotional statement detailing the tragic circumstances: "We are in urgent need of support to help the family of Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, a devoted husband, loving father, and valued member of Kings Park Rangers Football Club, who is currently in critical condition following a severe brain stem injury."
Legal Complications and Family Race Against Time
Due to the severity of his injury, medical professionals have classified Adeniji as medically brain dead. The situation was further complicated by a recent change in UK law at the start of this year, which created initial uncertainty and confusion at the hospital regarding the withdrawal of life support.
"There was an initial period of uncertainty & confusion from the hospital which meant life support could not be withdrawn until additional formal testing and procedures were completed," the club explained. "These required assessments have now been carried out."
The hospital has now compassionately allowed a short window of time for Adeniji's family to travel to the UK. His wife and four-year-old daughter are currently in Nigeria, and an official hospital letter has urgently requested compassionate consideration to allow his wife to travel to the UK as soon as possible.
Fundraising Campaign for Family Travel
Kings Park Rangers have launched a GoFundMe page with the aim of raising approximately £13,000 to cover the substantial travel costs involved in bringing Adeniji's family to the UK. The funds will be used for:
- Emergency visa applications
- Flights from Nigeria to the UK
- Urgent travel expenses
- Accommodation and living costs for his wife during her UK stay
The club's statement emphasised the personal tragedy: "Saburi leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future."
Community Response and Current Fundraising Status
The football community has responded with remarkable generosity, with over £8,000 already raised towards the £13,000 target. Kings Park Rangers expressed their gratitude in a further statement: "Wow. We have been absolutely blown away by all of the funds raised. At times like this the football and non league community really come together it is so so special."
The club added: "Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, retweeted or even spoken about our fundraiser - raising awareness is just as important as donating."
The tragic situation highlights both the vulnerability of athletes at all levels of sport and the incredible solidarity that can emerge from football communities during times of crisis. As the fundraising continues, the focus remains on enabling Saburi Adeniji's family to reach his bedside for their final goodbyes during this heartbreaking period.
