Kings Park Rangers FC of Sudbury, based in Great Cornard, Suffolk, have announced the suspension of their next match as the club prepares to lay to rest Nigerian footballer Saburi Adeniji.

The non-league side described the coming days as an emotionally demanding period for players, officials and supporters following the death of the 26-year-old winger, affectionately known within the club as “our king”.

In a message shared on 𝕏 on Sunday, Kings Park Rangers said the club was bracing for “another big week emotionally” as arrangements continue for Adeniji’s funeral.

“We would also like to share that we have another big week ahead emotionally as a club, with the closure and funeral of our king, Saburi.

“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 plans, Kings Park Rangers confirmed that their scheduled fixture against The Castlemen will not take place.

“Our game against @TheCastlemen will not go ahead, and we will return to football on the 21st,” the statement added.

The club also expressed gratitude to supporters and the wider football community for the solidarity shown since Adeniji’s passing.

“Thank you again for the strength, respect and support you’ve shown us all. It truly means everything,” Kings Park Rangers said.

Adeniji, popularly known as Ola, died on Friday morning after battling a severe brain stem injury. The club confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, revealing that he had remained alive long enough for travel arrangements to be made for his family from Nigeria.

“He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter, unfortunately, arrived this morning, a day late,” the club disclosed.

Paying tribute, Kings Park Rangers described him as a committed family man and a deeply valued member of the squad.

“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,” the statement read.

Adeniji’s passing came weeks after the club appealed publicly for prayers and financial support following his admission into intensive care at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, on January 15, 2026.

Two days later, Kings Park Rangers announced the suspension of all matches as teammates gathered around the player’s hospital bedside.

“We are asking everyone to pray for our left winger Saburi Adeniji (Ola). All Kings Park Rangers games will be on hold as we look to support him at his bedside until he is better,” the club had said at the time.

As his condition worsened, the club backed a GoFundMe campaign launched by his friend, Joshua Pollard, to cover emergency visa processing, flights and accommodation for Adeniji’s wife and four-year-old daughter.

Doctors later confirmed he had been medically classified as brain dead, while recent changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, giving his family a brief opportunity to travel.

Adeniji is survived by his wife and young daughter. Kings Park Rangers noted that funds raised will also assist in supporting his widow and securing his child’s education and welfare.

“This is a moment for the football world to come together, players, clubs, teammates, supporters and friends,” the club said, describing the loss as devastating.