Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has been selected to officiate the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and host nation Morocco.
The blockbuster clash is set for Wednesday night at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, where both footballing powerhouses will compete for a coveted spot in the final.
Laryea’s appointment reflects strong confidence in his expertise and consistency on Africa’s biggest stages. At 39, the Ghanaian referee has been a standout official throughout the tournament, earning praise for his composure, accuracy, and ability to manage high-pressure matches.
He most recently served as VAR during Morocco’s dramatic quarter-final win over Cameroon, demonstrating sharp judgment under tense conditions. Earlier in the competition, Laryea also controlled the group-stage match between Algeria and Burkina Faso as centre referee, effectively managing the game’s tempo and discipline.
Regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea has officiated multiple AFCON tournaments and regularly oversees CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup fixtures. His reputation for handling emotionally charged encounters has earned him respect across the continent.
Wednesday’s semi-final promises to be fiercely contested. Morocco will lean on home advantage and the support of their passionate fans, while Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will aim to assert their pedigree and reach another final.
With so much at stake, refereeing decisions could prove decisive. Laryea’s experience and authority are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring fair play as the continent turns its eyes to Rabat for one of AFCON 2025’s most defining matches.
