Nigerian referee calls for fitness test review after Maram’s death

An active Nigerian referee has called for an urgent review of the country’s fitness requirements after Plateau State official Aweng Solomon Maram died during a pre-season assessment in Abuja. Maram collapsed and died on Tuesday, August 18, while taking part in the exercise at the MKO Abiola National Stadium ahead of the 2026/27 football season.

The referee questioned whether the 12-lap requirement used for domestic officials is more demanding than necessary. The official said Nigeria should follow internationally recognised standards and urged football authorities to examine whether the current test places referees under avoidable physical strain.

The concern does not establish that the number of laps caused Maram’s death. The circumstances surrounding the incident still need to be properly established. However, the referee argued that Maram might have survived if he had stopped earlier, bringing renewed attention to the long-running disagreement over 10- and 12-lap requirements.

Another referee, who also works as a gym instructor, focused on the medical checks carried out before officials are cleared for strenuous assessments. He questioned whether referees receive comprehensive cardiac screening, including electrocardiograms, before taking part in national fitness tests. Undetected medical conditions can become apparent during intense exercise, making the quality of pre-test examinations a central concern.

The review now being demanded would cover more than the distance officials are required to run. It could examine the scientific basis for the test, the medical assessments before participation, emergency arrangements at venues and the response when a referee begins to show signs of distress.

The Nigeria Football Referees Association has mourned Maram, describing him as an elite NPFL referee and one of the country’s respected match officials. His death has intensified calls for stronger safeguards around assessments, with the refereeing community seeking standards that measure match readiness without compromising the health and safety of officials.