Nigerian referee Solomon Mariam dies during fitness test in Abuja
The Nigerian refereeing community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Premier League referee Solomon Mariam during a physical fitness test in Abuja on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Mariam, who hailed from Plateau State, reportedly collapsed while taking part in the mandatory fitness exercise before he was confirmed dead.
His death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, with colleagues and officials expressing sadness over the tragic incident.
The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) expressed its condolences to Mariam’s family, praying that God grants his immediate family, friends and the entire refereeing community the strength and fortitude to bear the colossal loss.
Mariam was a respected match official who had served as a referee in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
