Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has dismissed claims of biased officiating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.

Laryea, who spoke in a viral video showing him receiving flowers after landing at Accra airport in Ghana, described the encounter as the toughest match of the tournament due to the high stakes involved.

Morocco defeated Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw over 120 minutes in the semifinal played in Rabat, booking a place in the final against Senegal.

The Super Eagles, whose fourth AFCON title bid was ended by the defeat, later went on to secure the bronze medal in the third-place match.

Speaking to reporters at Accra airport in the video circulating on Sunday, Laryea said officiating a semifinal comes with immense pressure, as teams are desperate to reach the final.

“Normally in tournaments, semi-finals are the toughest games because now people want to go for finals.

“Whatever work they put into coming to that time, this is their stage when going to the final,” he said.

He added, “AFCON Is the biggest stage in Africa, and it is the second best or second-ranked tournament in the world. We have the World Cup, the Euros, and we have the AFCON.

“This is what we have in Africa. So, as a referee, if you are given that stage, it’s a big, big opportunity for you.”

Laryea noted that the Morocco-Nigeria clash was his first AFCON semifinal, having previously officiated at three editions of the tournament, and said his appointment reflected the confidence reposed in him by the organisers.

“That was my first time doing a semi-final in AFCON. I’ve been to three AFCONs; this is the first time I’m doing a semi-final. So, when coaches appoint you to do that game, they know the qualities and what you can do.

“But, of course, you have a bit of anxiety because of the level,” he said.

The match generated controversy, particularly among Nigerian fans, who questioned some decisions, including the yellow card shown to defender Calvin Bassey, which ruled him out of the next game.

Addressing accusations of favouritism toward Morocco, Laryea rejected the claims, insisting that he remained focused on his duties throughout the match.

“For me, I just do my refereeing. I just play football. I don’t listen to what goes on in or out of social media,” he said.

Concerns had been raised by some Nigerian supporters even before kickoff over the appointment of a Ghanaian referee, given the long-standing football rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria.

Following Nigeria’s elimination, criticism intensified on social media, with reports that Laryea’s Instagram account was taken down after being inundated with negative comments. (Sunday PUNCH)

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