'Its football' – Daniel Laryea speaks after Nigeria game

Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has spoken publicly for the first time since finding himself at the centre of controversy following Morocco’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final victory over Nigeria on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Laryea, who officiated the tense clash in Rabat, was approached on the streets of Morocco by Nigerian journalist Klinton Kod a day after the match.

The semi-final, which ended with Morocco winning on penalties, sparked widespread backlash from Nigerian supporters, many of whom blamed the Ghanaian referee for their team’s exit.

During the brief encounter, Kod referenced the intensity of the game, telling Laryea: “Listen man, that game yesterday was crazy.” Laryea agreed, responding: “It was crazy.”

From Crisis to Glory: How Daniel Laryea put Ghanaian refereeing back on the map

Kod then told him that many Nigerians were unhappy with his performance, reflecting the anger that had flooded social media since the final whistle. Laryea’s response was calm and measured.

“It’s good. It’s football,” he said.

Laryea has been widely discussed since the semi-final, not only because of the decisions in the game but also because he became the first Ghanaian referee to take charge of an AFCON semi-final since George Lamptey in 1972.

Watch the video below:

I found our referee from yesterday’s match o. I know what street guys would have expected from me but i am a peaceful guy 😀 pic.twitter.com/eA9jhKAGoJ

— KlintonCod (@klintoncod) January 15, 2026