Elite NPFL Referee Solomon Maram Dies During Fitness Test

Solomon Aweng Maram, an elite referee of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and a member of the Plateau State Referees’ Council, died on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after collapsing during a pre-season fitness test at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA), through its National Publicity Secretary Chukwudi Ejimofor, confirmed his death, stating that Maram had successfully completed a medical examination prior to the fitness test.

He was participating in Batch A of the training program organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) when he suddenly slumped near the end of the race. Emergency medical procedures were administered at the stadium, and he was subsequently transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he was pronounced dead.

NFRA Acting President Sir Kelechi Mejuobi expressed that Maram's death was a tragic loss for the refereeing community, describing him as a highly respected and valued member of the association.