Daniel Laryea officiated at the 2025 AFCON
Despite facing intense criticism after officiating the Nigeria vs Morocco semifinal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has received strong backing from former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye to make the trip for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Laryea trended after Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, with sections of Nigerians blaming his decisions for their exit from the tournament.
The backlash spilled onto social media, where accusations of bias and unfair officiating dominated discussions in the immediate aftermath of the game.
However, speaking in an interview with Joy News, Vanderpuye dismissed the criticism and instead hailed Laryea’s performance as the standout refereeing display of the entire tournament.
Referee Daniel Laryea sends message to Nigerians upon arrival in Ghana
According to the former Sports Minister, the Ghanaian official showed composure, authority, and elite-level control on one of AFCON’s biggest stages.
“I am so proud as a Ghanaian, not because Nigeria lost, but because one Ghanaian in the middle there distinguished himself so well. The referee was excellent, and I am sure FIFA will consider him for the World Cup,” he said.
Vanderpuye went further, ranking Laryea above every referee he had watched at the tournament.
“Of all the matches that I have watched in a population, I can tell you, not because I am biased as a Ghanaian, he is the best. I will give him 95%,” he added.
Watch the video below:
2025 AFCON: Ghanaian match official Daniel Laryea was the best referee at the 2025 AFCON, and FIFA would be considering him for the 2026 World Cup – Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Former Sports Minister. #AMShow pic.twitter.com/kKifyJoq1N
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 20, 2026
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
