Nigerian Referee Dies on Way to National Fitness Test

Tragedy has struck the Nigerian refereeing community following the sudden death of referee Awupri Antoniobob Omagu, who reportedly died in a road accident while travelling to Edo State for the 2025 Nigeria Annual Referees Fitness Test.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed early on Wednesday, October 29, by fellow referee Francis Finan Ofionor, who shared the sad incident on social media.

He wrote, “We lost Awupri Antoniobob Omagu this morning about 5am while on transit to Edo State for the Nigeria Annual Referees Fitness Test. I woke up at exactly 4:58am this morning in Benin City, picked my phone and dialled his number — it rang, but there was no answer. At 5:07am, I got a call from Angwe Lee saying, ‘Senior man, Fada Bob don die ooo, we just get accident and he’s dead.’”

According to Ofionor, Omagu was confirmed dead at the hospital after the accident. “As the team leader of the Cross River State referees contingents, I alerted the authorities and the rest is now news,” he said.

Tributes have since poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the football community across Nigeria.

Referee Innocent Ogbologra wrote, “My heart is bleeding. My heart is heavy, and with tears in my eyes, my community has been thrown into mourning once more. Lord, please have mercy. Awupri Antoniobob Omagu (Fr. Bob), why? Rest in peace, my brother.”

Another colleague, Ikade Paul Ajima, recalled the late referee’s resilience in the face of past challenges. “Some time ago, in your football career, you had a fatal clash on the field of play which gave a serious fracture, and it seemed like you would never walk again. But God made you walk again. Why should it be the same cause that has taken your life this time in a crash? Oh, Tonibob, it’s so sad to know you’re no more.”

Also mourning him, Abang Abang wrote, “Yesternight, while we were waiting to receive you at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State for the 2025 National Referees Fitness Test, the news of the fatal accident that claimed your life came to us as a rude shock. Your untimely departure has turned the convocation into a mourning camp.”

Mike Oyi Odoga, another mourner, described Omagu as “a very loving, humble, gentle, and social guy,” adding that “the entire Chelsea fans mourn you and pray for the peaceful repose of your soul, our blue brother, Awupri Antoniobob Omagu.”

The late referee’s death has left many devastated, especially as colleagues were preparing for the annual physical fitness assessment meant to qualify them for officiating duties in the coming football season.

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