The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to take charge of the blockbuster AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and host nation Morocco.
The clash is set for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where two continental heavyweights will battle for a coveted spot in the final.
Laryea’s selection is seen as a strong endorsement of his consistency and authority at the highest level of African football.
At 39 years old, he has emerged as one of the standout officials of the tournament, praised for his calmness and sharp judgment under pressure.
He recently served as VAR referee during Morocco’s tense quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match that demanded precision and composure.
Earlier in the group stage, he was centre referee for Algeria’s clash with Burkina Faso, where he kept firm control of the pace and discipline.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea’s résumé includes multiple AFCON appearances and regular assignments in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
His ability to manage emotionally charged fixtures has earned him respect across the continent.
Nigeria and Morocco Prepare for Battle
Wednesday’s semi-final promises fireworks. Morocco will lean on home advantage and the roar of their supporters as they chase a historic AFCON crown.
Nigeria, three-time champions, will look to assert their pedigree and reach another final, having last lifted the trophy in 2013 and finished runner-up in Ivory Coast.
With so much at stake, officiating decisions will be under intense scrutiny. Laryea’s calm authority is expected to be crucial in ensuring fair play as millions of African football fans turn their eyes to Rabat.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles intensified preparations with a closed-door training session at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat on Monday. Team media officer Promise Efoghe explained that head coach Eric Chelle wanted tactical privacy.
Efoghe confirmed that the media will be allowed into the opening 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training before the squad resumes private drills.
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