By DAYO ADESULU
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to officiate the blockbuster AFCON 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco, a decision that has immediately drawn widespread attention across the continent.
The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where a capacity crowd is expected as two African football giants battle for a place in the final.
CAF Names Daniel Laryea for Nigeria vs Morocco Semi-Final
In an official update released ahead of the semi-final fixtures, CAF confirmed that Daniel Laryea, one of Africa’s most experienced referees, will take charge of the crucial tie.
The appointment comes at a sensitive moment in the tournament, following intense debates around officiating standards and accusations of bias from some teams earlier in the competition. By selecting a referee from Ghana, CAF appears determined to underline its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and credibility at the business end of AFCON 2025.
Who Is Daniel Nii Laryea?
Daniel Laryea is no stranger to high-pressure fixtures. The Ghanaian referee has officiated at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, CAF Champions League matches, and FIFA competitions. He is widely regarded for his firm control of games, clear communication with players, and strict application of the laws.
Over the years, Laryea has built a reputation as a no-nonsense official who does not shy away from making big calls, even in hostile environments. That experience is expected to be critical as he steps into one of the most emotionally charged matches of AFCON 2025.
Full Match Officials Line-Up (Update)
According to CAF’s updated officiating list for the semi-final:
Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana)
Assistant Referees: Officials from CAF-selected neutral countries
Fourth Official: To be confirmed
VAR Team: Internationally certified CAF VAR officials
CAF sources indicate that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will play a central role, with additional scrutiny placed on key decisions such as penalties, red cards, and potential offside goals.
Why This Appointment Matters
The Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 semi-final carries enormous weight. Morocco are the host nation, playing in front of tens of thousands of home supporters, while Nigeria arrive with confidence after a strong tournament run led by Victor Osimhen.
Earlier in the competition, some teams—most notably Cameroon—had raised concerns over refereeing decisions, sparking debates across African football platforms. Although CAF has dismissed claims of bias, the choice of an experienced and respected referee like Laryea is widely seen as a proactive move to calm tensions.
For Nigeria, the appointment is being interpreted as a reassurance of fairness. For Morocco, it reinforces the message that the semi-final will be decided strictly on merit.
Nigeria and Morocco React Quietly
As of Tuesday morning, neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has issued an official statement on the referee appointment. However, sources close to both camps suggest that the focus remains firmly on match preparation rather than officiating politics.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has previously stressed that his team will concentrate on performance, not referees, while Moroccan coach Walid Regragui has insisted that his side relies on football quality and home support, not external factors.
A Semi-Final Loaded With History
Beyond the referee appointment, the match itself is historic. AFCON 2025 has already set a new milestone, with all four semi-finalists—Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt—coached by Africans for the first time in tournament history.
Nigeria are chasing another continental crown, while Morocco are desperate to end their AFCON title drought, having last won the competition in 1976. The stakes could hardly be higher.
What to Expect on Wednesday Night
With Daniel Laryea at the centre, fans can expect a tightly controlled contest where discipline will be crucial. Both teams boast physical midfielders, fast wingers, and clinical forwards, making game management and decision-making vital.
As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on Rabat—not just on the players, but also on the man with the whistle, tasked with ensuring fairness in one of AFCON 2025’s defining moments.
The winner of the Nigeria vs Morocco semi-final will advance to the grand final on January 18, 2026, keeping their continental dream alive.
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