Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has rejected allegations of biased officiating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.
Laryea spoke after returning to Ghana, in a video that has since gone viral showing him receiving flowers on arrival at Accra airport. He described the encounter as the most difficult match of the tournament because of the high stakes involved.
Morocco edged Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw over 120 minutes in Rabat, sealing a place in the final against Senegal. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ quest for a fourth AFCON title, although Nigeria later claimed the bronze medal in the third-place playoff.
Speaking to reporters, Laryea explained that semifinal matches are often the hardest to officiate, as both teams are desperate to reach the final.
“Normally in tournaments, semi-finals are the toughest games because everyone wants to play in the final. This is the stage teams have worked so hard to reach,” he said.
He added that AFCON remains one of the biggest football tournaments globally and a major platform for referees.
“AFCON is the biggest stage in Africa. After the World Cup and the Euros, AFCON is right there. For a referee, being given such a game is a very big opportunity,” Laryea noted.
The official said the Morocco-Nigeria match was his first AFCON semifinal, despite having officiated at three editions of the tournament, and described his appointment as a sign of trust from the organisers.
“That was my first AFCON semi-final. When you are appointed for such a game, it shows they believe in your ability. Of course, there is some anxiety because of the level,” he said.
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The match sparked controversy, especially among Nigerian fans who questioned some decisions, including the yellow card shown to defender Calvin Bassey, which ruled him out of the next game.
Responding to claims that he favoured Morocco, Laryea dismissed the accusations, saying he remained focused solely on his job.
“I just do my refereeing. I don’t pay attention to what people say on social media,” he said.
Concerns had also been raised before the match about appointing a Ghanaian referee, given the long-standing rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria. After Nigeria’s elimination, criticism intensified online, with reports that Laryea’s Instagram account was later taken down following a wave of negative comments.
