Ghanaians were super excited when CAF announced Daniel Nii Laryea as the main referee for the semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco in the just-ended 2025 AFCON.
On the contrary, Nigerians were not satisfied because they thought an enemy had been appointed to steer their downfall. The game ended with Morocco triumphing on penalties against the Super Eagles.
Daniel Laryea came under heavy criticism after the game, where the Nigerians felt that Ghana was a bit harsh towards them in some of his decisions.
In an interview quoted by GhanaSoccernet.com, Daniel Laryea reminded everyone that he doesn’t listen to whatever goes on on social media.
“For me, I just do my refereeing. I just do football. I don’t listen to what goes in and out of social media or whatever is happening there. We just apply the Laws of the Game”, Laryea said.
Social Media was filled with insults on Daniel Laryea and Ghana as a whole by Nigerians because their rivals plotted their downfall.
He continued: “As a referee, when you are given such a stage, it is a big opportunity. When I was appointed for the game, I felt normal, but there was a bit of anxiety because it was my first AFCON semi-final”.
The 38-year-old Ghanaian referee admitted the anxiety ahead of the Nigeria-Morocco clash.
“Semi-final matches are always the toughest because teams are fighting for a place in the final,” he concluded.
Daniel Laryea is one of the fastest-growing referees on the continent and is yet to reach his full potential.
