Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday announced that preparations are underway to repatriate the remains of student-athlete Divine Adili to his home country of Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with his family's wishes.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, the university said it is continuing to coordinate with Adili's family and relevant authorities to facilitate his return to Nigeria nearly two weeks after the tragic drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.
"As part of the University's continuing commitment to Divine Adili and his family, preparations are underway for the repatriation of Divine's remains to Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with his family's wishes," Ateneo said.
The university also announced that two representatives will accompany Adili on his final journey home while documentary and travel arrangements are being finalized.
Ateneo identified Fr. Munching de Guzman SJ as one of the two representatives tasked to accompany the late student-athlete. The university said de Guzman has already started travel preparations, including securing the vaccinations and medications required for entry into Nigeria.
"While documentary and travel arrangements are still being finalized in coordination with Divine's family and the relevant authorities, preparations continue to ensure that Divine's return home is carried out with dignity, care, and respect," the university said.
Ateneo also appealed to its community to continue praying for Adili and his family during the difficult period.
"We ask the Ateneo community to continue keeping Divine and his family in your prayers," it added.
Adili and fellow student-athlete Rene Baterbonia died on June 8, 2026, in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Earlier this week, a public wake for Adili was held at the Arlington Memorial Chapels. A candle-light service was also organized at Ateneo in honor of the late Nigerian center, attended by his teammates, now-resigned head coach Tab Baldwin, and members of the university community.
