Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has come under fire from Nigerian football supporters for what they perceive to be biased and subpar officiating during the Super Eagles’ 2-0 semi-final loss to Morocco on Wednesday night.
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria was defeated 4-2 on penalties after extra time ended in a goalless draw. Yassine Bounou stopped the spot kicks of Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
There were allegations of biased officiating because the Eagles committed 29 fouls compared to Morocco’s 19, but they were given two yellow cards while the hosts received no warnings at all.
Many fans thought the referee had an extra motivation against the three-time champions because of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, with some citing past hostilities between the two countries.
Fans at the Lagos State viewing centre where our correspondent observed the game voiced dissatisfaction with a number of Laryea’s choices made during the contest.
“Obviously, he’s been biased,” stated Olakunle Okunbanjo. We all anticipate this home advantage when we look at it. However, it appears that he has been particularly biased and has made numerous incorrect decisions.
“Remember, we anticipated this based on our rivalry because he is also a Ghanaian.”
“He made so many bad decisions against us, maybe because Morocco is the host nation,” Bernard Daniel continued. Too many bad choices have worked against us.
“The call he made, particularly the corner kick he determined was a goal kick during the Victor Osimhen incident, has left the commentators perplexed even during the extra time.”
Every time a controversial call went against Nigeria, there were a lot of cries at the viewing centre.
Fans expressed their displeasure with the officiating on X. “The worst referee in AFCON 26” was written alongside a photo of Laryea that Roweazy Zetarium shared.
“God punish that referee, but before God, men go first to punish him!” said another user, Oby (@Just__Oby).
“The referee was very biased in most of the infringements awarded against Lookman and other attackers upfront,” stated Abimbola Oyediran.
While acknowledging that Morocco was superior, another fan (@machinche_250) wrote, “Though the Moroccans were the better side, but you see that Ghanaian referee? That man was very useless with most of his calls.”
“At some point I was asking my husband whether it is possible for a referee not to have any cards on him,” a user (@ade_mummy) wrote, questioning why Morocco did not receive any yellow cards during the game.
Calvin Bassey’s yellow card, which will prevent him from participating in the third-place play-off, drew particular criticism.
Òléríolúwa (@Ilerioluwakiye_), a supporter, responded to the foul that resulted in Bassey receiving a yellow card and missing the Eagles’ subsequent game.
How is it possible for a referee to issue a yellow card to an individual who has pulled his shirt? “I still don’t get it,” he remarked.
Laryea, a 38-year-old managing his second tournament match, was chosen by the Confederation of African Football to oversee the high-profile match.
Laryea oversaw Burkina Faso’s 1-0 loss to Algeria in Group E during the group stage in December, which was his sole prior appearance at the championships.
Assistant referees Zakhele Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho, and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique assisted the FIFA-listed referee, with Samuel Uwikunda acting as the fourth official.
Abongile Tom of South Africa oversaw the duties of the Video Assistant Referee, while Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya served as assistant VAR officials.
Since 2014, Laryea has been a FIFA-listed international referee and frequently officiates in the Ghana Premier League. He has officiated at the CAF Women’s Champions League, the AFCON, and the African Nations Championship.