The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, has addressed concerns over the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appointment of Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea for Nigeria’s semi-final clash against host nation Morocco in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Port City News (TCPN) reported that the 38-year-old referee will be supported by assistant referees Zakhele Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho, and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique.
Samuel Uwikunda was assigned as the fourth official, while Video Assistant Referee duties will be overseen by Abongile Tom of South Africa, with Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya acting as assistant VAR officials.
Ethiopia’s Lidya Tafesse Abebe was also named referee assessor for the match.
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The appointment sparked concerns among Nigerians, but Gusau insisted he does not share fears of bias by the match officials. He said he could not see a situation in which they would work against any team’s interests.
“I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. Last summer, we were here in Morocco for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the final, coming from two goals behind to achieve victory.
“There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF, as well as the whole world, are watching and will not do anything untoward,” he said.
Regarding goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had raised concerns over a possible suspension for the semi-final following Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria, Super Eagles’ Media Officer Promise Efoghe dismissed the fears.
Rumours suggested Nwabali had picked up two yellow cards and could miss the semi-final scheduled for 9pm on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Efoghe clarified that Nwabali has only one yellow card from the knockout stage and is therefore not suspended, explaining that all cards received during the group phase do not carry over.
“He is ready to defend Nigeria’s honours on Wednesday,” Efoghe confirmed.
However, captain Wilfred Ndidi remained suspended for the crucial game after picking up two yellow cards in the knockout phase of the AFCON.
