NFRA Mourns Death of Member -

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NFRA Mourns Death of Member

The Nigeria Football Referees’ Association, NFRA, mourns the unexpected exit of one its referees who was of the NPFL cadre, Solomon Aweng Maram.

Until his death on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026, Solomon Aweng Maram was of the Plateau State Referees’ Council.

Solomon was among the referees who took part in the Fitness Test of Batch A of the ongoing pre-season training program organised by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, through the NFF Referees Committee ahead of the 2026/2027 football season at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

To be enlisted for officiating of the NPFL and other national competitions of the Federation, referees involved are expected to undertake and pass medical tests before physical fitness test before consideration.

On arrival for the fitness test at the National Stadium, Abuja after passing medical checks by the medical personnel warranting his enlistment for the fitness test, Solomon was in the second group of the Batch A referees. In the course of the race at the finishing point, Solomon fell down but was rushed by a standby medical team on ground at the stadium purposely for the exercise. Immediately, the medical team applied emergency rescue techniques as vital rescue attention including drugs and oxygen were applied for his revival. Consequently, he was rushed into a waiting ambulance stationed at the venue of the fitness test and taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he was later confirmed dead.

Acting President of the NFRA, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi described the incident as a tragic blow to the association adding that it has thrown the entire referees in Nigeria into a mournful mood.

The NFRA President disclosed that the association is deeply hurt by the incident stating that it has lost a rare gem, one of the best among the pack of elite referees in Nigeria and a thoroughbred match official of immense reckoning.

Mejuobi further stated that both the medical team on ground at the stadium and those in the National Hospital, Abuja battled to save his life before he died. He revealed that the NFF Referees Committee alongside the NFRA places premium on healthcare and emergency situations of referees during regular fitness test programs.

On behalf of the association, the Acting President conveys sympathy messages to the family, Plateau State Referees’ Council and the entire football family in the state and at large over the loss.

May His Soul Rest in Peace