Nigerian football was thrown into mourning on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after Plateau State referee Aweng Solomon Maram collapsed and died during a fitness test at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The incident occurred as part of the Nigeria Referees Association’s pre-season screening for match officials ahead of the new football season.

Uyo Infomedia, gathered that Maram slumped while running one of the mandatory drills for referees and assistant referees. Stadium officials and medical personnel at the venue immediately responded and rushed him for treatment. Despite efforts to revive him, he was later confirmed dead.

The fitness exercise was organized by the Nigeria Referees Association as part of preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season. All elite and state referees are required to pass the medical and physical tests before they are cleared to officiate NPFL matches. Dozens of officials from across the country had converged on Abuja for the programme.

Tributes have since begun pouring in for the late official, with colleagues describing him as dedicated, disciplined, and passionate about the game. Maram was a respected figure in Plateau State football circles and had handled several matches in the lower leagues. The Nigeria Referees Association is yet to release an official statement on the incident.

The death has again raised questions about medical screening and emergency response during sports fitness tests in Nigeria. With the NPFL season set to kick off soon, stakeholders are calling on the NFF and the Referees Association to strengthen health protocols to protect officials. Maram’s death marks a painful start to the new season for Nigeria’s football community.