Nigerian football fans have criticized Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea for poor officiating during the Super Eagles' semi-final defeat against hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Many fans described Wednesday night's proceedings in Rabat as “compromised”, citing the long-standing rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria or a perceived bias against the Super Eagles in favoring Morocco as host country.
Also read: AFCON 2025: Morocco beats Nigeria on penalties to reach final
Penalty shootout heartbreak for Super Eagles
For the second time in eight years, the Super Eagles were eliminated on penalties in a major competition, losing 4–2 to Atlas Lions after a tense goalless draw that stretched to extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
For Morocco, Hamza Ighamane, Elise Ben Seghir, captain Achraf Hakimi and Youssef Al-Nesiri converted their spot-kicks.
Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored for Nigeria. Both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemachi had their penalties saved by goalkeeper Yassin Bounou.
Controversy followed the match's statistics, in which Nigeria committed 29 fouls compared to Morocco's 19.
Reaction from journalists and fans on social media
Nigerian journalist Pooja Media described the referee's performance as “dirty work”, posting on Twitter:
“It's very clear from the referee. Our boys need to stay calm. The dirty work is being done here.”
Another media personality, @_AsiwajuLerry wrote, “Nigeria will play against the AFCON host nation in a stadium where they have bought all the tickets with referees from Ghana and VAR from South Africa.”
Samuel Akpan (@coolestguy2891) also raised concerns, citing Larrea's previous appointments, “Daniel Larrea was in charge of Burkina Faso vs. Algeria. He refused to give a penalty to Burkina Faso in that game, and the captain was fined $10,000 for protesting.
“In Morocco vs Cameroon, he was in charge of VAR and did not call the referee to check the Mbumo penalty call. Nigeria is ready for this.”
Do2dtun Energy gAD added its voice to the criticism. “This Ghanaian referee is very biased. Very clearly. It is very disgusting to see.”
What next for Nigeria?
The defeat means Nigeria will now travel to Casablanca to face the Egyptian Pharaohs in the third-place match this Saturday.
