UK club suspend games ahead of Nigerian footballer’s funeral
A non-league football club in England, Kings Park Rangers Football Club, have announced the suspension of their next competitive fixture as preparations intensify for the funeral of late Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji.
The club, based in Sudbury at Great Cornard in Suffolk, said the decision was taken to allow players, officials and supporters time to grieve and to support the family of the deceased footballer, who died earlier this month at the age of 26.
In a statement shared on the club’s official X account on Sunday, Kings Park Rangers described the coming days as an emotionally challenging period, noting that the team and its wider community were still processing the loss.
“This is another big week emotionally for us,” the club wrote, referring to the days leading up to Adeniji’s funeral. “This is a very difficult time for everyone connected to the club, and we continue to stand together to support one another and Saburi’s loved ones who are now in the UK.”
As part of the mourning arrangements, the club confirmed that its scheduled match against The Castlemen would not go ahead. According to the statement, the fixture has been postponed to allow full participation in funeral activities and related memorial events.
“Our game against @TheCastlemen will not go ahead, and we will return to football on the 21st,” the club said.
The announcement that a UK club suspend games ahead of Nigerian footballer’s funeral has drawn messages of support from across the English non-league football community, with fans and fellow clubs expressing solidarity with Kings Park Rangers during the period of mourning.
Saburi Adeniji, a winger, joined Kings Park Rangers after earlier spells in lower-tier English football and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. Club officials and teammates described him as energetic, disciplined and deeply committed both on and off the pitch.
He was fondly referred to by supporters and teammates as “our king”, a nickname that reflected his influence within the dressing room and his close relationship with the club’s fan base..
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Since news of his death emerged, tributes have poured in from players, coaches and supporters, many of whom highlighted his professionalism, humility and positive attitude. The club has held moments of silence and other tributes in recent weeks, while players have worn black armbands in his honour.
The decision that a UK club suspend games ahead of Nigerian footballer’s funeral underscores the emotional toll the loss has had on the team. Club officials said continuing with competitive fixtures at this time would be inappropriate given the circumstances and the need to prioritise the wellbeing of players and staff.
Sources close to the club say several teammates are expected to attend the funeral, alongside members of Adeniji’s family, who travelled from Nigeria to the United Kingdom following his death.
While the club has not released full details of the funeral arrangements out of respect for the family’s privacy, it confirmed that the ceremony will take place in the UK, where Adeniji was living and playing at the time of his death.
Football authorities at the non-league level have been notified of the postponement, and no disciplinary issues are expected to arise from the decision. The league has reportedly expressed its support for the club and approved the temporary suspension of fixtures.
Observers say it is not uncommon for clubs at this level to suspend matches during periods of bereavement, particularly when the death involves an active player. In such cases, emphasis is often placed on mental health, emotional recovery and collective support.
The announcement that a UK club suspend games ahead of Nigerian footballer’s funeral has also reignited conversations about player welfare in lower divisions, where athletes often balance football with work, family responsibilities and life away from the pitch.
Kings Park Rangers said football activities would resume later in the month, once the funeral and immediate mourning period have passed. The club added that it would continue to provide support to players and staff who have been affected by the loss.
“We will return to football on the 21st,” the statement said, signalling a cautious but deliberate path back to competition.
For many supporters, the postponement is seen not just as an administrative decision, but as a gesture of respect and unity. Fans have continued to leave messages online, praising the club for putting people before results.
As preparations continue, the focus remains on honouring Saburi Adeniji’s life and legacy. Those who knew him say he will be remembered not only for his contributions on the pitch, but for the character he displayed as a teammate and friend.
The coming days are expected to be emotionally demanding for the club, but officials insist that standing together during this period is more important than any fixture or league position.
