Nigerian football has been hit by tragedy following the death of Plateau State referee Awang Solomon Maram, who reportedly collapsed and died during a pre-season fitness test in Abuja, Trybal News reports.
Maram, a member of the Plateau State Referees Council, was taking part in a fitness assessment at the MKO Abiola National Stadium when he reportedly collapsed while running. He later passed away.
The assessment was organised as part of the Nigeria Referees Association’s pre-season programme for referees and assistant referees ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Confirming his death, the Plateau State Referees Council expressed “deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss,” describing Maram’s death as a major loss to the state’s refereeing community.
“The council extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends and the entire refereeing community at this difficult time,” the statement said.
The council added that further information regarding funeral and burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Maram’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian refereeing community, with colleagues and football stakeholders mourning the loss as preparations continue for the new NPFL season.
Further details surrounding the circumstances of his death are yet to be made public.
