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Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea, is not bothered about the criticisms of his officiating, as Nigeria lost on penalties to Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
The game was decided via spot-kicks after it ended goalless in 120 minutes.
However, Laryea was the target of backlash on social media, as many Nigerian pundits and fans accused him of favouring the Atlas Lions.
One of such ‘questionable’ calls was the booking of Calvin Bassey, which has ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
Super Eagles duo Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel also publicly criticizes Nii Laryea’s officiating.
When asked about the criticisms, Laryea said on Sporty TV: “No, it’s okay. It’s football.”
The Super Eagles were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
Nigeria failed to create enough chances to score and failed to capitalize on the few ones they had.
At the end of 90 minutes, there were no goals, as both teams struggled to find the back of the net.
There was also no goals at the end of 120 minutes and the second finalist had to be decided via penalties.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemachi missed for the Eagles, while the Atlas Lions converted all their kicks.
Morocco will now face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria take on Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Nigeria’s hopes were dashed when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi failed to convert, giving Morocco a 4–2 shootout victory.
