The appointment of the match official for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations semi-final has sparked widespread conversation. A prominent TV personality has now weighed in on the decision to have a Ghanaian referee oversee the high-stakes clash between Nigeria's Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
TV Presenter's Vote of Confidence for the Referee
Thomas Mlambo, a well-known television presenter, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the appointment. The referee in question is Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, who has been assigned to manage the semi-final encounter scheduled for January 2026.
In his post on the platform, Mlambo expressed clear support for the official. He highlighted Laryea's recent performance, stating that the Ghanaian referee had an 'excellent' game in his previous assignment. This public endorsement from a respected media figure adds a significant layer to the pre-match discourse, suggesting confidence in the referee's ability to handle the pressure of such a pivotal fixture.
Mixed Reactions from Football Fans Online
The news of the appointment and Mlambo's subsequent comments quickly drew a flood of reactions from netizens, particularly on social media. The conversation revealed a spectrum of opinions, often divided along regional and competitive lines.
Some users questioned the wisdom of appointing a referee from West Africa for a match involving a West African team. Comments like "How do you have a Ghanaian for a Nigerian match though?" and "It's a bad decision to appoint a ref from west or north Africa for this game" reflected concerns over potential partiality, with some referencing past controversial fixtures.
Other users pointed to the longstanding sporting rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, with one comment reading, "He knows the beef between Nigeria and Ghana he must be patriot." Conversely, some reactions took a more humorous or antagonistic tone, while a few defended the appointment, noting that complaints often arise regardless of the referee's origin.
Who is Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea?
The man at the center of the discussion, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, is regarded as one of Ghana's top football referees. His career, which began in his teens, has seen him rise to prominence not only for his deep understanding of the game's laws but also for his composure and intelligence in managing tense situations on the pitch.
His selection for this marquee AFCON 2025 semi-final is a testament to his standing within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He has earned recognition for his handling of both domestic and high-profile international matches, which ultimately led to this prestigious appointment for the Nigeria versus Morocco game.
As the match day approaches, all eyes will be on Laryea to see if he can live up to the praise and navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with officiating a match of this magnitude. The outcome of the game could hinge on key decisions, placing the Ghanaian referee in a position of immense responsibility.
