AFCON Semi-final: Lady Shares How Ghanaian Referee Wanted to ‘Save’ Super Eagles During Match
- A lady shared how the Ghanaian referee tried to “save” the Super Eagles during the Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON semi-final match
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 4-2 against the Atlas Lions of Morocco on penalties on Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Speaking about the referee's performance, the lady posted a clip from the match to prove her point, sparking reactions from many
A lady shared how Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea wanted to save the Super Eagles while officiating the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco.
Morocco defeated Nigeria 4–2 on penalties to qualify for the AFCON 2025 final, with Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missing their spot kicks following a goalless draw in extra time.
Source: UGC
As many shared their take on the referee’s officiating, a lady named Tina shared how the Ghanaian referee wanted to save the Super Eagles during the match.
On her X page, @Tina_RM5 hailed the referee for being good at his job, stating that he wanted to save Nigeria, but they didn’t take the opportunity.
She said:
“This Ghanaian referee wanted to save Nigeria, but they didn’t take the opportunity, very good at what he does. Well done, Mr. Daniel Nii Laryea.”
She then posted a clip from the match, with the caption:
“Two clear penalties, but this Ghanaian referee wanted to save Nigeria.”
See her TikTok post below:
In a chat with Legit.ng, a Nigerian woman, Chioma Nwakire, shared what she had expected from the match and what she felt about the loss.
She said:
"I'm not just happy. In fact, I never expected it. I actually thought we'll win after all the struggle. They really played. And the fouls that the referee was supposed to give Morocco, and they didn't give them, almost 24 fouls. I didn't feel good about it.I
"With the way Nigeria is, everybody had hope about the match. I left my kids in the house, just to go and watch this match in the viewing centre, because they took light, thinking that Nigeria will win but Nigeria disappointed me."
AFCON semi-final: Reactions trail lady's review
@invertCucurella said:
But Nigeria are complaining.
@Kimhoodhr said:
The hand is in nature position
@EscobarUTD10 said:
Oju de Ma ti iya e ni!!
@SuccessNur39834 said:
Why are you lying ehnnn
@_iambuenoki_
They are now accusing him oooo. I'm really quiet because madeid is stressing me. The way I want to cook them eer
@amaech10055
African soccer was brought 50 years backward as Nig played Ghana instead of Morocco on 14th of Jan.,2026 AFCON in Morocco. FIFA should make rules about host&win mentality and referees from banter countries. Review Nig v Morocco match &sanction the corrupt Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea.
@mayor_techh
U no get sense at all
@yve_mensah
Even the penalty shoot out from Nigeria was terrible
@chubbyransom10
You rushed down here to tweet rubbish
Source: Getty Images
In a related story, a Nigerian lady watching the AFCON semi-final match in Morocco burst into prayer as the clash got intense.
Nigeria vs Morocco: Ghanaian journalist criticises referee
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Ghanaian journalist with the Facebook name Bongo Ideas criticised the performance of his countryman, referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, who officiated the Nigeria versus Morocco Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match, which the Super Eagles lost by 4-2 in a penalty shootout after extra time.
According to the journalist, also a blogger, his countryman felt like he was told what to do before he stepped out to the pitch.
He highlighted four areas the referee did badly in the match, decrying that he let Ghana down because of his conduct in the game.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
