Nigerian football supporters have launched scathing criticism of Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea following the Super Eagles’ penalty shootout elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday night, alleging biased officiating and questionable decision-making throughout the encounter.
Nigeria crashed out of the tournament after losing 4-2 on penalties to the Atlas Lions, with Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both seeing their spot-kicks saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou following a goalless draw after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The match statistics have fuelled allegations of one-sided officiating, with Nigeria committing 29 fouls compared to Morocco’s 19, yet receiving two yellow cards while the host nation were not cautioned once throughout the entire 120 minutes of play.
The Nigeria-Ghana rivalry, deeply rooted in West African football history, has intensified suspicions among Nigerian fans that Laryea harboured an “extra incentive” against the three-time African champions, with many pointing to longstanding tensions between both nations as a contributing factor to what they perceived as unfair treatment.
At a viewing centre in Lagos State, fans expressed mounting frustration with several of Laryea’s decisions throughout the encounter, with emotions running high after contentious calls repeatedly went against the Super Eagles.
Olakunle Okunbanjo, speaking at the viewing centre, said, “Obviously, he’s been biased. Looking at it, we all expect this home advantage. But it seems he’s been extra biased and has made so many wrong calls. Don’t forget, he’s a Ghanaian too, so we expected this based on our rivalry.”
Bernard Daniel echoed similar sentiments, highlighting what he described as numerous poor decisions. “He made so many poor decisions against us, maybe because Morocco are the host nation. Too many poor decisions against us,” Daniel said. “Even during the extra time, the commentators have been confused about the call he made, especially the corner kick he decided was a goal kick during the Victor Osimhen incident.”
The viewing centre erupted with screams and protests each time a contentious call was made against Nigeria, reflecting the widespread belief among supporters that the officiating had been unfair.
On X, formerly Twitter, fans vented their anger at Laryea’s performance. User Roweazy Zetarium posted a picture of the referee with the caption, “The worst referee in AFCON 26.”
Another user, Oby (@Just__Oby), wrote in pidgin English, “God punish that referee, but before God, men go first punish am!”
Abimbola Oyediran focused on specific incidents involving Nigerian attackers, stating, “The referee was very biased in most of the infringements awarded against Lookman and other attackers upfront.”
One fan using the handle (@machinche_250) acknowledged Morocco’s overall performance while still condemning the officiating. “Though the Moroccans were the better side, but you see that Ghanaian referee, that man was very useless with most of his calls,” the user wrote.
The complete absence of yellow cards for Morocco despite committing 19 fouls particularly rankled Nigerian supporters. One user (@ade_mummy) questioned the anomaly, writing, “At some point I was asking my husband whether it is possible for a referee not to have any cards on him.”
Particular criticism was directed at the yellow card shown to Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, a decision that will see the Ajax Amsterdam centre-back miss the third-place play-off match. Fan Ìléríolúwa (@Ilerioluwakiye_) questioned the logic behind the booking, asking, “How will a referee give yellow card to someone they pulled his shirt? I still don’t understand.”
The Confederation of African Football had appointed Laryea to take charge of the high-profile encounter, with the 38-year-old handling his second fixture of the tournament. His only previous appearance at the finals came during the group stage in December, when he officiated Burkina Faso’s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in Group E.
Laryea was supported by assistant referees Zakhele Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique, while Samuel Uwikunda served as fourth official. Video Assistant Referee duties were overseen by Abongile Tom of South Africa, with Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya acting as assistant VAR officials.
Laryea has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2014 and regularly officiates matches in the Ghana Premier League. His experience includes assignments at the African Nations Championship, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF Women’s Champions League, establishing him as one of West Africa’s most experienced match officials.
The Nigeria-Ghana football rivalry dates back decades and extends beyond club competitions to national team encounters. Both nations have enjoyed significant success on the African continent, with Nigeria winning the AFCON three times in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while Ghana has claimed the title four times, most recently in 1982.
The rivalry has occasionally been marked by controversial officiating decisions, adding historical context to Nigerian fans’ suspicions about Laryea’s appointment. The geographical proximity of both nations, combined with their status as regional powers competing for influence and prestige in West African football, has created an intense competitive atmosphere whenever Nigerian and Ghanaian interests intersect.
Morocco’s advancement to the final means they will face either South Africa or Zambia for the continental title, while Nigeria will compete in the third-place play-off, though the exact scheduling and opponent remain subject to the outcome of the second semi-final.
The Super Eagles’ elimination extends their wait for a fourth AFCON title, with their last triumph coming in 2013 when the late Stephen Keshi led the team to victory in South Africa. The penalty shootout defeat also continues Nigeria’s mixed record in knockout football at major tournaments, with spot-kick failures proving costly in several previous competitions.
