The Nigeria Football Federation Development Committee has denied any negligence in the death of a referee who reportedly collapsed and died during a fitness test in Abuja, saying the official had undergone the required medical screening before taking part in the exercise.

The committee’s chairman, Faith Irabor, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists during the ongoing pre-season fitness and technical training for referees ahead of the 2026/27 football season.

Irabor said referees were required to undergo medical examinations, including electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, in their respective states before travelling to Abuja for the fitness assessment.

She explained that the officials were subjected to another round of checks by the medical team at the venue before being cleared to participate.

According to her, the referee who died had presented a medical report signed by a doctor, certifying him fit for the exercise.

She added that the medical team of the Nigerian Sports Commission also conducted additional examinations using a standard medical screening format before the referees were allowed to participate.

Irabor said officials closely monitored the participants throughout the exercise and immediately intervened when the referee began showing signs of distress.

She explained that the official was assisted before he collapsed and was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.

The committee chairman also rejected reports that the ambulance stationed at the venue was not operational when the incident occurred.

She said both an ambulance and an additional vehicle were available at the venue and that the ambulance was used to transport the referee to the hospital.

Irabor described the death as deeply unfortunate but maintained that the incident did not result from a failure to observe the required safety procedures.

She said the deceased had completed the necessary medical assessments and had been cleared by doctors before taking part in the physical test.

However, Irabor disclosed that the committee was considering additional measures to strengthen the medical screening process for referees.

One of the options under consideration, she said, was for referees to undergo their medical examinations at the National Hospital in Abuja rather than having the initial tests conducted in their respective states.

She said such a centralised system could help ensure greater consistency in the medical assessment and provide an additional layer of safety.

An Abuja-based Premier League referee, Ayuba Peter, also described the incident as unfortunate and rejected the suggestion that it was caused by negligence.

Peter said the deceased had participated in similar fitness tests in the past and had remained on the refereeing list for an extended period.

He noted that referees were aware of the demanding nature of the fitness assessment and were expected to prepare adequately before taking part.

Another referee from Oyo State, Akinwale, said participants were required to undergo ECG examinations before travelling to Abuja.

He explained that the medical documents were reviewed by the medical team at the venue, which also carried out further checks before clearing officials for the exercise.

Akinwale described the referee’s death as an unfortunate occurrence despite the medical procedures and monitoring arrangements in place.