The Nigeria Football Federation has officially responded to the appointment of match officials for the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions of Morocco. This comes after the Confederation of African Football announced the officiating team, a decision that has sparked significant discussion among football fans in Nigeria.
CAF's Controversial Appointment for the Semi-Final
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to take charge of the crucial AFCON 2025 semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Rabat. Assisting on Video Assistant Referee duty will be South Africa’s Abongile Tom.
This announcement immediately raised eyebrows among Nigerian supporters. Many expressed concerns online, citing the historical football rivalry between Nigeria and both Ghana and South Africa. The sentiment among a section of fans is that officials from these nations should not be involved in such a high-stakes game involving the Super Eagles, to avoid any perceived partiality.
Interestingly, some Moroccan fans have also voiced their own suspicions, arguing that appointing a referee from Nigeria's West African neighbour could actually be an advantage for the Super Eagles. These concerns from both sides have emerged against a backdrop of questionable officiating decisions noted by pundits earlier in the tournament.
NFF President Calls for Calm and Confidence
In a statement published on the NFF's official website, the Federation's President, Ibrahim Gusau, directly addressed the growing concerns among the Nigerian faithful. He urged fans to remain peaceful and dismiss fears of manipulative officiating.
“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have,” Gusau stated. “I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.”
The NFF President drew confidence from a recent precedent, reminding everyone of Nigeria's triumph in Morocco during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final. “Last summer, we were here in Morocco for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory,” he recalled.
He further emphasized the professionalism expected at this level, adding, “There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF, as well as the whole world, is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”
Super Eagles Gear Up for Historic Challenge
As the controversy simmers, the Super Eagles continue their intensive preparations in Morocco. The team is focused on the monumental task of defeating the host nation to secure a place in the AFCON final for the second consecutive tournament. Their aim is to go one step further than the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up.
President Gusau expressed strong belief in the squad's ability to overcome the Moroccan challenge and deny them a first continental title in five decades. He highlighted the quality within the Nigerian ranks, pointing to midfield maestro Alex Iwobi as a key player ready to influence the game, alongside other stars like Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey.
The team will, however, have to navigate this crucial match without their suspended captain, Wilfred Ndidi. CAF had previously notified the NFF that Ndidi is ineligible for the semi-final after accumulating consecutive yellow cards in the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches.
All eyes will now be on the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat come Wednesday, where the Super Eagles' quest for glory and the integrity of the appointed officials will be put to the ultimate test.
