“It’s football” – Ghanaian referee breaks silence after officiating Nigeria’s loss against Morocco

The referee in charge of Nigeria‘s AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against Morocco has cleared the air after a public bash online, Soccernet.ng reports.

FIFA-licensed Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, didn't have the best performance last night in terms of officiating, and Nigerians didn't take kindly to his errors.

The 38-year-old CAF official made a series of abysmal foul calls, the most ridiculous being Calvin Bassey's yellow card for a foul on Brahim Diaz, when in truth, the Moroccan winger pulled Bassey's shirt.

It didn't end there. There were free kicks that should've gone Nigeria's way that didn't, but were turned in Morocco's favour.

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Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea breaks silence after officiating Nigeria's loss against Morocco

After the penalty shoot was concluded, fans went on to the referees' instagram page to express their displeasure, and not long after, the official took his account down.

Today, on the streets of Rabat, Sporty TV pundit, Klintoncod, had a brief discussion with Daniel Laryea, and the official joked, stating the performance was just about football, nothing personal.

“It was a crazy game. I know they're not happy with me, but it's all good, it's football, it's nothing much,” the Ghanaian said.

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

Whether or not CAF will interrogate the referee or review his officiating for the AFCON 2025 semi-final is currently unknown.

The result, however, cannot be changed. Nigeria will take on Egypt in the third-place game while Morocco have to battle Senegal in the final on Sunday.