Camille Naredo

A tribute to Ateneo big man Divine Adili at his wake in Quezon City, June 17, 2026. Contributed photo

Article (news)

Divine Adili

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781705090894viber_image_2026-06-17_15-52-20-655.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="A tribute to Ateneo big man Divine Adili at his wake in Quezon City, June 17, 2026. Contributed photo"/>A tribute to Ateneo big man Divine Adili at his wake in Quezon City, June 17, 2026. Contributed photo </div>MANILA — An outpouring of sympathy and support continues for the late Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team member Divine Adili, as friends, fellow athletes, and members of the community paid their respects during the first day of his public wake at Arlington Chapels in Quezon City.Although Adili’s parents have yet to arrive in the Philippines, the wake was attended by numerous friends and athletes who came to honor the Nigerian student-athlete. Prior to the public wake, a memorial service for Adili was held at his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City.As of writing, there is still no information on when Adili’s parents will travel to the Philippines.Among those who visited the wake was professional football player and fellow Nigerian Solomon Obinna Okereke, who plays for Don Bosco Garelli.While he never personally met Adili, Okereke said he felt compelled to pay his respects after learning of the tragedy, describing the news as both shocking and heartbreaking.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/17/divine-adili-s-friend-recalls-athlete-s-humility-despite-success-1844">READ: Divine Adili&#x27;s friend says athlete stayed grounded despite success</a></div>“When I found out about what happened, I couldn’t believe it. I came back to Ateneo to see him [at the wake]. It was so heartbreaking because he is a natural talent, travelling all the way from home [Nigeria] and coming down here,” he said.Okereke said Adili’s story resonated deeply with him because he understands the sacrifices that foreign athletes make to pursue opportunities abroad while helping support their families back home.“I feel bad, coming down to a country, to make ends meet, trying to have a future and your family is looking up to you, so it breaks my heart because I know how it feels to be a breadwinner of the family,” he said.Reflecting on his own experiences as an athlete living far from home, Okereke said he could only imagine the pain Adili’s parents are going through.“When you’re in another country, you have to be responsible and try your best to feed your family. It’s really hard for me because I know how the parents [of Adili] will be feeling now,” he added.Okereke also acknowledged reports that Ateneo has been assisting Adili’s family and exploring ways to bring his parents to the Philippines.“I’ve been hearing a lot of news and feedback [about Ateneo]. They have actually been helping the family in a little way. They said that they are working on ways so the family can come here, so it would be a good thing,” he said.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/17/-we-re-proud-of-him-we-ll-always-celebrate-him-divine-adili-s-parents-honor-memory-of-son-1051">READ: Divine Adili&#x27;s parents honor memory of their son </a></div>While expressing gratitude that authorities are investigating the incident, Okereke noted that no outcome of the probe can undo the loss suffered by Adili’s loved ones.“I know the government are looking into what happened and I still thank them, but even if they know the truth, it won’t bring him back. Let His will be done,” he said.Okereke also thanked Filipinos for the support they have shown following Adili’s death, saying many reached out after he shared his condolences on social media.“I want to appreciate Filipinos. When I posted on my Facebook, many were concerned. They showed me love. The only thing that you can do for Adili’s family is just to support them because it’s very, very hard, very difficult,” he said.As a fellow Nigerian athlete who built a career in the Philippines, Okereke said he recognizes the challenges Adili faced and believes the young basketball player had tremendous potential.“I am a professional football player from Don Bosco. I know what it feels like to be an athlete from another country. It’s so hard, trying to make a difference. I think he is one of the best players of Ateneo,” he said.According to information released by Arlington Chapels, Adili’s remains will lie in state until Saturday, June 20. The wake is open to the public daily from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Adili and fellow Ateneo basketball player Rene Baterbonia, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

An outpouring of sympathy and support continues for the late Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team member Divine Adili, as friends, fellow athletes, and members of the community paid their respects during the first day of his public wake at Arlington Chapels in Quezon City.

An outpouring of sympathy and support continues for the late Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team member Divine Adili, as friends, fellow athletes, and members of the community paid their respects during the first day of his public wake at Arlington Chapels in Quezon City.

Friends, fellow athletes visit public wake of Ateneo’s Divine Adili

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Friends, fellow athletes visit public wake of Ateneo’s Divine Adili

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 17, 2026 10:07 PM PHT

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