The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghana’s Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea as the center referee for the high-stakes AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and host nation Morocco.
The “early final” kicks off Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 PM in Rabat.
The officiating team’s composition has sparked debate. With a South African assistant referee and a South African Video Assistant Referee (VAR), some Nigerian fans question neutrality due to historic football rivalries. Laryea previously served as VAR during Morocco’s quarter-final win.
Both teams are unbeaten. Nigeria, with five wins, will miss suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, with Victor Osimhen likely taking the armband.
Morocco, with four wins and a draw, faces uncertainty over injured playmaker Brahim Díaz. Morocco holds a narrow historical edge, having won their last AFCON meeting in 2004.
