Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has experienced a dramatic shift in public perception, transforming from a controversial match official into a national celebrity following his duties at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The official, who was at the center of a storm during the semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco, returned home to an unexpected wave of local adulation.
From Airport Welcome to Viral Sensation
Upon his arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana on January 18, 2026, Laryea was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception. A viral video shared by TikTok blogger @khodedmedia captured the surreal scene where excited Ghanaians followed him, filming with their phones. The clip shows one lady even requesting a selfie with the referee, treating him like a star. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting a frenzy of discussions and debates among football fans across the continent.
The Source of the Controversy and Fame
Laryea's newfound fame is directly tied to his performance in the high-stakes AFCON semi-final where Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties. His officiating decisions, particularly the yellow card shown to Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey which ruled him out of the third-place match, drew heavy criticism and accusations of bias from many Nigerian fans and pundits. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had already faced scrutiny for appointing a Ghanaian official to such a critical match involving a regional rival.
However, while Nigerians expressed their displeasure online, the narrative in Ghana took a different turn. Many of his compatriots viewed his role in the continental tournament as a success, celebrating his participation at that level.
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Reactions
The video of Laryea's arrival prompted a flood of comments reflecting the polarized views. Some users celebrated him, while others criticized the spectacle as unprofessional.
Supportive voices included comments like that from Umar Tahiru525, who said, "This guy is very good. I hope FIFA will call you for the World Cup, one of the best referees in Ghana." Another user, ADJOA YAMAL 10, offered prayers for his protection. Many Ghanaians saw the attention as a deserved recognition.
Conversely, critical perspectives highlighted the ethical concerns. User Dr. Salami commented, "FIFA is watching your public display. This is very unethical and unprofessional-bad image for this sport. This maybe your last and highest exposure." Others, like Mileti, pointed out the irony: "Nigeria made this guy popular know this and know peace, if not for Nigeria he will not be this popular."
Some reactions also questioned the lack of formal support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), with user Adam asking, "But honestly, the GFA is not motivating referees enough... Not even an official welcome at the airport?"
Fallout and Personal Impact
The intense online backlash from Nigerian fans had a direct personal impact on Laryea. Prior to his celebratory return, reports indicated that the referee had been forced to deactivate his Instagram account to escape the barrage of attacks and criticism directed at him following the semi-final match. This move underscores the severe pressure and cyberbullying that match officials can face in the age of social media, where controversial decisions are magnified and debated by millions.
The story of Daniel Laryea is a modern tale of sports drama, where a single performance on the pitch can catapult an individual into a vortex of both intense criticism and unexpected fame, all playing out in real-time across digital platforms. His experience highlights the fragile line officials walk and how their professional actions are interpreted through the passionate lens of national football rivalry.
