NPFL Referee confirmed dead on his way back from fitness test in Abuja
A Nigeria Professional Football League – NPFL Referee Rafiu Kazeem Opeyemi has been confirmed dead following a fatal accident on his way back from fitness test in Abuja.
As part of preparations for the 2023/2024 Football season, Late Rafiu Kazeem Opeyemi joined Referees from different parts of Nigeria for the fitness test excercise at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja.
The Late Rafiu reportedly passed away on Saturday August 19, following a fatal accident along Osu, Ilesha, Osun State as he journeyed back to Oyo State.
In a condolence message, Executive Chairman, Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro and the entire management of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), mourned the demise of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) member.
The condolence message read: ” We are deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Rafiu Kazeem Opeyemi, a fine gentleman.
“We are using this medium, to condole with the members of the Oyo State Referees Association and also the family of the deceased
“It is our prayer that God will grant him eternal rest and give his family, friends and colleagues, the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost.
” We also wish the trio of Oni Ebenezer Segun, Ajadi Odunayo and Amos, a member of the association from Ogun State, who sustained injuries in the accident, and are currently receiving treatments, quick recovery. ” Shooting Stars Sports Club concluded.
Until his demise, Late Rafiu was the chairman of the Ona Ara Referees Society in the Oyo State Referees Council.
As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Football Federation – NFF , Nigeria Referees Association – NRA have not delivered communication about the sad incident.
This brings to two the number of NPFL Referees who have passed away in road accident while returning from official duty in 2023 Dr. Kingsley Nnaemeka of the Abia State Referees Council unfortunately lost his life in a car crash as he returned from a league match in February 2023.
