Popular Nigerian media personality, Kayode Ojuolape, widely known as Do2dtun, has launched a scathing attack on the officiating that marred Nigeria's exit from the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles were eliminated by host nation Morocco in a tense semi-final clash decided by penalties on Wednesday night, January 15, 2026, in Rabat.
A Controversial Exit in Rabat
The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of grueling football, forcing a penalty shootout which Morocco won 4-2. However, the post-match conversation has been dominated not by the missed penalties, but by the performance of Ghanaian center referee, Daniel Laryea. Nigerian fans and commentators have accused him of biased officiating that crippled the Super Eagles' morale and performance.
Do2dtun took to his X (formerly Twitter) platform to vent his frustration, directly linking the team's subdued performance to the referee's decisions. He argued that "bad officiating depletes performance" and "kills the morale of a team," stating that the players were battling "against everything" on the pitch. His comments reflect a widespread sentiment among Nigerian supporters who viewed the appointment of a referee from Ghana, a long-standing football rival, to handle such a crucial match as a recipe for controversy.
Fans Echo Frustration Over Officiating
The statistics from the fiery encounter have fueled the outrage. Nigeria committed 29 fouls and received two yellow cards, while Morocco finished the physical match without a single caution. This stark discrepancy has been cited as clear evidence of one-sided refereeing. Social media reactions compiled by Legit.ng show a divided but passionate response.
User @chizoba_osuji agreed with Do2dtun, calling the officiating "very terrible" and stating it killed the players' morale. Another user, @Iamkehinderusty, emphasized that only those who have played football understand how demoralizing consistently unfair calls can be. However, some offered a different perspective. User @devilishGaventa noted that preferential treatment for host teams in tournament football is an unfortunate but expected reality.
Others, like @obaroddy, challenged the focus on the referee, pointing out that Nigeria's failure to score in open play or convert penalties was the ultimate reason for the loss. Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reacted to the defeat by admitting his team was not at their best and revealing that Samuel Chukwueze, who missed a crucial penalty, was one of the best takers in training.
The Lingering Aftermath of a Heated Clash
The controversy has spilled beyond the football pitch, reigniting the perennial rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana. It also overshadows what was a defensively disciplined performance by the Super Eagles against the tournament hosts. The core facts remain: Nigeria's dream of AFCON 2026 glory ended in Rabat after a goalless draw and a penalty shootout loss, under the watch of a referee whose integrity has been vehemently questioned by a nation.
While the team's tactical approach and penalty technique will be analyzed, the narrative of the match, heavily shaped by Do2dtun and countless fans, is firmly centered on an alleged sabotage from the man in the middle, turning a sporting defeat into a heated debate about fairness and rivalry in African football.
