Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has dismissed allegations that he showed bias against Nigeria during their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Laryea has come under heavy criticism from sections of Super Eagles supporters following the loss, with claims circulating on social media that his officiating favoured Morocco.
The experienced official, however, insists he handled the match with professionalism and impartiality.
Speaking to the media after returning from Morocco, Laryea said he remained unfazed by online reactions and rivalry-driven narratives surrounding the fixture.
“For me, I just do my refereeing. I just do football,” he said. “I don’t listen to what goes in and out of social media or whatever is happening there. We just apply the Laws of the Game.”
The Ghanaian referee described the encounter as the biggest assignment of his career, revealing it was his first time officiating an AFCON semi-final.
“As a referee, when you are given such a stage, it is a big opportunity,” he noted. “When I was appointed for the game, I felt normal, but there was a bit of anxiety because it was my first AFCON semi-final.”
Laryea also highlighted the unique pressure that comes with officiating at the latter stages of major tournaments, noting that the margin for error is extremely small.
“Semi-final matches are always the toughest because teams are fighting for a place in the final,” he added. “Any team that reaches that stage has already achieved something significant.”
