Daniel Laryea officiated the semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco
Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea has responded to accusations from Nigerians that he favored Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations' second semi-final game in Rabat.
According to Daniel Nii Laryea, he officiated the game between Nigeria and Morocco to the best of his refereeing abilities without favoring any of the competing teams.
He told reporters that he has no interest in the social media banter between Ghanaians and Nigerians.
"For me i just do my refereeing job and i don't listen to what goes on social media. I just apply the laws of the game," Daniel Laryea said while reacting to a question on whether he was influenced by the social media banter between Ghana and Nigeria.
Referee Daniel Nii Laryea arrived in Ghana on Saturday, January 17, 2026, following his participation at the continental showpiece, having been selected among the elite match officials on the continent to uphold the rules of the game at the 35th edition of the AFCON in Morocco.
At the tournament, the Ghanaian played various roles and made the headlines after he was appointed the referee for the high-stakes semi-final showdown between Nigeria and Morocco, a task he delivered outstandingly.
Live now 🚨: Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea says officiating the Morocco vs. Nigeria semifinal at the AFCON was the toughest match of the tournament.
He made this known upon his arrival in Ghana. pic.twitter.com/Ykw3rWrjsb
— WithAlvin 🇬🇠(@withAlvin__) January 18, 2026