NPFL Referee Solomon Aweng Maram Dies After Collapsing During NFF Fitness Test
The Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA) is mourning the death of NPFL referee Solomon Aweng Maram, who died on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after collapsing during the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) pre-season fitness test in Abuja.
Maram, who was a member of the Plateau State Referees’ Council and part of Batch A of the referees undergoing the NFF Referees Committee’s pre-season programme, collapsed near the finishing point of his fitness test at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The referee had earlier undergone the required medical screening before being cleared to participate in the physical fitness test.
Following his collapse, the medical team stationed at the stadium immediately provided emergency treatment, including oxygen and other interventions, before he was taken by ambulance to the National Hospital, Abuja. He was later confirmed dead at the hospital.
The Acting President of the NFRA, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, described Maram’s death as a tragic blow to the refereeing community, saying the incident had plunged referees across Nigeria into mourning.
Mejuobi described the deceased as ‘a rare gem’ and one of Nigeria’s leading elite referees, adding that Maram was a thoroughbred match official who had made significant contributions to football officiating.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the medical personnel at both the stadium and the National Hospital, Abuja, who battled to save the referee’s life.
According to the NFRA leadership, the association and the NFF Referees Committee place a high premium on the health and safety of referees, particularly during fitness tests and other activities where emergency medical support may be required.
The NFRA expressed its condolences to Maram’s family, the Plateau State Referees’ Council and the entire football community in Plateau State and Nigeria.
