Daniel Laryea: ‘I felt anxious’ officiating Nigeria Vs Morocco AFCON 2025 semifinal clash

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has admitted that he felt “a bit anxious” handling the semi-final clash of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between the Super Eagles and Morocco in Rabat.

Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after the game ended goalless in 120 minutes of exhausting football.

However, Laryea faced several complaints from Eagles players during the game over obvious fouls and infringements that were not given in favour of the team.

The official showed Calvin Bassey a yellow card in the first half after his arm accidentally struck Brahim Diaz in the face.

Before the incident, the Moroccan was clearly seen pulling Bassey’s shirt as they both struggled for the ball at the edge of Nigeria’s 18-yard area.

After the game, Nigerian fans descended on Laryea’s social media page, which reportedly led to it being deactivated.

Speaking on the criticism he received from Nigerians on social media, the referee, who was given a heroic welcome in Ghana, claimed he applied the laws of the game in the encounter.

“For me, I just do my refereeing. I just do football. 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,” he said, according to Ghana Soccer Net.

“As a referee, when you are given such a stage, it is a big opportunity. 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. Semi-final matches are always the toughest because teams are fighting for a place in the final.”