NFF allays referee concerns ahead of Nigeria–Morocco semi-final
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has played down fears over match officiating following CAF’s appointment of Ghanaian and South African officials for the AFCON 2025 semi-final between the Super Eagles and hosts Morocco.
CAF named Ghana’s Daniel Laryea as centre referee, with South Africa’s Abongile Tom in charge of VAR for Wednesday’s encounter in Rabat.
The decision sparked concern among sections of Nigerian fans, given existing football rivalries with both countries.
NFF urges calm over appointments
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau dismissed suggestions that the officiating team could work against Nigeria’s interests, insisting there was no basis for alarm.
“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have,” Gusau said. “I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level.”
Gusau referenced Nigeria’s comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2022 Women’s AFCON, also played on Moroccan soil, as evidence that host-nation advantage does not determine outcomes.
“This is the highest level of football on the African continent,” he added. “The officials know that CAF and the whole world are watching.”
CAF stands by refereeing team
CAF confirmed a multinational officiating panel for the match. Laryea will be assisted by South Africa’s Zakhele Siwela and Lesotho’s Souru Phatsoane, with Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda as fourth official.
Tunisia’s Haythem Guirat and Kenya’s Stephen Onyango Yiembe will support Tom in the VAR room.
Regragui rejects bias claims
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui also rejected claims that referees have favoured the host nation during the tournament, describing such narratives as damaging.
“It’s always a shame to go down this path,” Regragui said. “They want to make people believe that matches are always won this way.”
He argued that refereeing inconsistencies occur globally and cited decisions that went against Morocco earlier in the competition.
“The only way to win is on the pitch,” he said. “We hope the referee will be fair to both teams.”
Nigeria head into the semi-final as the tournament’s most prolific side, having scored 14 goals, while Morocco are targeting a first AFCON title since 1976.
The match will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
