A Ghanaian sports journalist has provided a detailed analysis of the perceived officiating errors made by referee Daniel Laryea during the tense African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco.
The Controversial Match Outcome
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following a dramatic penalty shootout. After a grueling 120 minutes of football ended in a 0-0 draw, Nigeria fell 4-2 on penalties to the Atlas Lions of Morocco. The decisive moment came when Nigerian players Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their spot-kicks, sending Morocco through to the final.
Journalist's Defence of the Referee
The journalist, Fentuo Tahiru, took to social media to dissect the performance of his fellow Ghanaian, referee Daniel Laryea. In a Facebook post, Tahiru argued that Laryea was unfairly being made a scapegoat for the match result.
"I said before the game that whatever the outcome of this match, Daniel Laryea was always going to emerge the villain," Tahiru wrote. He contended that the referee did not make any egregious calls and that the better team on the night ultimately won.
However, Tahiru's central argument was a preemptive one. He expressed a personal view that CAF (Confederation of African Football) should not have appointed Laryea to officiate such a high-stakes match involving a West African nation. He believed the governing body failed to consider the regional perceptions and nuances.
"If Morocco lost this game, I guarantee they would also have accused him of helping his West African brothers," Tahiru stated, highlighting the no-win situation for the official. He further noted that the only reason Moroccan complaints were muted was because they emerged victorious.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Tahiru's analysis sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly among Ghanaian netizens, with opinions sharply divided.
Some users defended Laryea's professionalism. Adolf Gandiriba commented, "Congratulations to Ref Laryea. Those who are not happy should work on their penalty shootouts." Similarly, Basigu R Sanusi praised the referee for handling pressure, suggesting the experience would elevate his career.
Others, like McDennis Ackon, humorously questioned the critics' eyesight, while Alfa Dest pointedly observed, "I noticed is only Nigerians who have issues with his officiating... just because he is a Ghanaian." Asiamah Clement gave the referee's performance a rating of 7 out of 10.
The debate underscores the intense scrutiny and often partisan perspectives that surround major football officiating, especially in a tournament as passionately followed as the AFCON.
