AFCON 2025: Referee for Nigeria vs Morocco semifinal revealed

CAF Appoints Ghanaian Referee Daniel Laryea for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 Semi-Final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the referee who will officiate the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco.

According to CAF’s announcement, Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been appointed to take charge of the blockbuster encounter scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

A Vote of Confidence From CAF

Laryea’s selection highlights CAF’s confidence in the experienced official, who remains the only Ghanaian referee chosen for this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The semi-final appointment marks his second centre-refereeing role at the tournament.

He previously impressed during the group-stage clash between Algeria and Burkina Faso, earning praise for his disciplined control of the game. In addition, Laryea recently served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s 2–0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon, giving him familiarity with the host nation’s playing style.

Full Match Officials Confirmed

Laryea will be assisted by an experienced officiating team:

• Assistant Referees: Zakhele Siwela (South Africa) and Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)

• Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)

• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Abongile Tom (South Africa)

Pressure Mounts in Rabat

The stakes are sky-high heading into the semi-final. Nigeria arrives in Rabat fresh from a commanding 2–0 win over Algeria, while Morocco will look to harness home support as they chase their first AFCON final appearance since 1976.

With refereeing decisions under intense scrutiny throughout the knockout stages, all eyes will be on Daniel Laryea to maintain composure and authority in what is expected to be a fiery atmosphere in the Moroccan capital.