AFCON 2025: Ghanaian Referee Reacts After Officiating Nigeria vs Morocco
- Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has reacted after officiating Nigeria and Morocco’s AFCON 2025 semi-final clash
- The Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after scores were level over 120 minutes
- Laryea faced serious backlash from Nigerians over what they described as questionable officiating during the game
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has reached after officiating the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco.
The Atlas Lions beat the Super Eagles 4-2 on penalties after a pulsating 0-0 draw in 120 minutes at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Source: Getty Images
As noted by Africa Top Sports, Daniel Laryea faced backlash from Nigerians over his officiating, which many described as questionable, particularly booking Calvin Bassey in the first half.
Daniel Laryea reacts after Nigeria vs Morocco
Nigerian football pundit Klinton Cod bumped into the Ghanaian official on the streets of Rabat and asked him about Nigerians’ unhappiness towards him.
Laryea, who appeared in a bright mood, did not take it to heart and claimed it was okay for people to be upset over his officiating, as it was part of the job.
In the post on X, he remarked:
“No, it's okay, it's good, it's football.”
Reactions to interaction with AFCON semifinal referee
The video sparked further reactions from Nigerians who wanted the encounter between the two men to have gone differently after his performance.
@ronmaris wrote:
“You’re a shameless person. You can’t even tell it to his face that he did a very terrible job, but you can’t even tell, make a separate video behind his back to say what you did. Such a shame.”
@urchpupi wrote:
“You disappointed 200m Nigerians… you’re not a true son of the soil… what happened in giving him a resetting slaps…Tinubu Dey for you.”
@braide_owa69359
“Let him rewatch the game he officiated so he can sleep well. We pray for the same thing to happen to Ghana in the world cup or the next AFCON if they qualify.”
@d_engrossed_1 wrote:
“You failed to do just that one job that would have put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, but you failed bro, you failed.”
Source: Getty Images
Ghanaian politician praises referee Laryea
Meanwhile, Ghanaian Member of Parliament Patrick Yaw Boamah has praised referee Daniel Laryea for making Ghana proud, despite widespread criticism of his performance.
As quoted by Daily Post, the MP said:
“Congratulations to Referee Daniel Laryea on his outstanding performance in officiating the Nigeria vs Morocco match. He has truly lifted the flag of Ghana high and continues to be an inspiration to young referees across the country.”
To some, Boamah’s positive message to Laryea came across as a jibe at West African neighbour Nigeria, who were on the receiving end of the referee’s controversial outing.
CAF has yet to comment on the widespread criticism and social media abuse the official has received since, as preparations continue for the final two matches of the tournament.
Daniel Laryea deactivates Instagram account
Legit.ng also reported that Daniel Laryea had deactivated his Instagram account after facing backlash from Nigerian fans after his controversial officiating.
Some netizens fished out his social media pages and vented their frustrations in his comments section, forcing the referee to take down the page.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
