Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has dismissed claims of biased officiating during the AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco, insisting he strictly applied the Laws of the Game.
Laryea faced criticism from some Nigerian fans after their semi-final defeat, with accusations circulating on social media that his decisions favored Morocco. However, the referee rejected these claims, stressing his professionalism throughout the match.
Speaking upon his arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Laryea said he paid no attention to online banter or rivalry narratives.
“For me, I just do my refereeing. I just do football. I don’t listen to what goes in and out of social media or whatever is happening there. We just apply the Laws of the Game.”
The match marked the biggest assignment of Laryea’s career, as it was his first time officiating an AFCON semi-final. He acknowledged the pressure of officiating at such an advanced stage, where stakes are high and teams are fighting for a place in the final.
“Semi-final matches are always the toughest because teams are fighting for a place in the final. Any team that reaches that stage has already achieved something significant.”
Laryea’s comments reinforce his commitment to fairness and professionalism as he continues to build an impressive refereeing profile on the continental stage.
