2025 AFCON: I just applied the laws of the game - Referee Daniel Laryea not perturbed despite attack by Nigerian fans

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has dismissed accusations that he favoured Morocco during Nigeria’s semi-final defeat at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Laryea has come under criticism from sections of Super Eagles supporters following the loss to the tournament hosts, with claims circulating online that his officiating was biased.

The experienced official, however, has firmly rejected those allegations, insisting he carried out his duties with professionalism and integrity.

Speaking to the media upon his return from Morocco, Laryea said he paid little attention to social media reactions or rivalry-driven narratives surrounding the match.

“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 fixture as the most significant 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 minimal.

“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."