Tensions have risen among some Nigerian supporters and FIFA Referee Mr. Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea after the Ghanaian international officiated the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations semifinals game between Nigeria and Morocco.

Ghana did not qualify for the AFCON just as Nigeria did not qualify for the FIFA world cup and many supporters of the Super Eagles believed FIFA referee Daniel Laryea was going to be biased in the game.

CAF named the following officials;

Video Assistant Referees (VAR):

• Referee: Daniel Laryea (Ghana)
• Assistant Referee 1: Zakhele Siwela (South Africa)
• Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
• Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda) 

• VAR: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Assistant VAR 1: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)

The game to many looked balanced as referee Daniel Laryea allowed the game to flow with little interruption and slow going into his pocket. With Nigeria crying foul about his performance, Morocco could do same as they believed Bassey handled the ball with his hand following a shot by Hakimi.

Other instances sited are the Brahim Diaz vs Calvin Bassey incident where after a tussle and tagging of jersey’s Bassey caught Diaz in the face with a flinging arm.

The game however produced no goals in normal play and had to process to extra time and eventually penalty shootouts. Bono who has and remain one of the best shotstoppers when it comes to spot-kicks did his magic for Morocco saving two out of the four kicks from the Nigerian side.

After their stern fight, the Super Eagles were knocked out by the host and the only person they could channel their blame on was the centre referee as they believe some of his judgments were very poor.

In a post match interview, Bright Osayi-Samuel disclosed his displeasure with Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea claiming his officiating on the night was very poor while congratulating Morocco for proceeding to the final.

Nigeria now play Egypt for the third place while Senegal face hosts Morocco for who wins the ultimate.