Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has dismissed allegations of biased officiating during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.

Laryea, who officiated the highly charged encounter in Rabat, described the match as the toughest of the tournament due to the enormous pressure associated with semifinal fixtures.

Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw over 120 minutes, sealing a place in the final against Senegal. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ bid for a fourth AFCON title, although Nigeria later secured the bronze medal in the third-place match.

Speaking to reporters in a video circulating on Sunday after his arrival at Accra airport, Laryea said officiating a semifinal is always demanding because teams are desperate to reach the final.

“Normally in tournaments, semifinals are the toughest games because everyone wants to get to the final. Whatever work teams have put in to reach that stage, this is the defining moment,” he said.

He added that AFCON remains one of the world’s biggest football tournaments.

“AFCON is the biggest stage in Africa. We have the World Cup, the Euros, and then AFCON. For a referee, being given that stage is a very big opportunity.”

Laryea noted that the Morocco, Nigeria match was his first AFCON semifinal, despite having officiated at three previous editions of the tournament. He said his appointment reflected the confidence placed in him by the organisers.

“That was my first time doing an AFCON semifinal. When you’re appointed for such a game, it means the organisers trust your qualities, though there’s always some anxiety because of the level,” he said.

The match sparked controversy among Nigerian fans, particularly over some officiating decisions, including the yellow card shown to defender Calvin Bassey, which ruled him out of Nigeria’s next match.

Addressing claims of favouritism towards Morocco, Laryea rejected the accusations, insisting he remained focused on his responsibilities.

“For me, I just do my refereeing. I don’t listen to what goes on on social media or elsewhere,” he said.

Concerns had been raised even before kickoff by some Nigerian supporters over the appointment of a Ghanaian referee, given the long-standing football rivalry between the two nations.

Following Nigeria’s elimination, criticism intensified online, with reports that Laryea’s Instagram account was taken down after being flooded with negative comments.