Daniel Laryea will officiate the semifinal between Nigeria and Morocco
The Confederation of African Football’s decision to appoint Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea for Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final against hosts Morocco has triggered a wave of reactions among Nigerian fans on social media.
The match will be played on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, with assistant officials from South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Rwanda.
While some supporters acknowledged Laryea’s experience at continental level, many others voiced unease because of Nigeria’s long-standing football rivalry with Ghana and the broader sensitivities around officiating in high-stakes matches.
Online discussions quickly mixed concern with humour, turning the appointment into a trending topic.
CAF appoints Ghanaian referee for AFCON semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria
Several fans jokingly suggested that Ghana now had an indirect say in who reaches the final, using the familiar Ghana-Nigeria jollof rivalry as a playful way to express their nerves.
Others went further, implying that having a Ghanaian in charge of such a crucial match felt like allowing a rival supporter to officiate a derby, reflecting fears about possible bias, even if said mostly in jest.
This will be Laryea’s second game of the tournament, highlighting his growing reputation on the continental stage.
Laryea’s first outing at AFCON 2025 came during the group stages, where he oversaw Burkina Faso’s 1-0 loss to Algeria in Group E back in December 2025.
Read some of the reactions below:
Haaa, our enemies has entered through back door 😭
— Ambafx (@ambaposh) January 13, 2026
Ghana jollof is the best, we don gree abeg 🤨 pic.twitter.com/sjcLca3JhO
— Abiodun | content arc (@bioduncrypt) January 13, 2026
Can we trust him?
— Linda (@Homceelin) January 13, 2026
Oh no not Ghanaian mehn
— Edimoya📸 (@lifeofedi_) January 13, 2026
No….. He should not please……
This is like saying a Barca fan will ref Madrid Vs Real betis match.
CAF should know better
— Chris (@ChrisOk_) January 13, 2026
Ghanaian Referee South African in VAR.
We are finished 😭 pic.twitter.com/NkdHTVdVnZ
— Brother Wale (@Ashiru_AO) January 13, 2026
From now till after the match, make no Nigeria insult Ghana o
— Truthtrades (Ø,G) (@AsiahLucky) January 13, 2026
FKA/MA
Which party leaves government with its finance minister missing – Ex Subin MP loses cool on Ofori-Atta
