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Ghanaian Whistle Sets Stage for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON Showdown

13 January 2026

Ghanaian Whistle Sets Stage for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON Showdown
Referee lineup for AFCON semifinal: Morocco vs Nigeria

Match officials named for AFCON semifinal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea will take charge of the Morocco-Nigeria semifinal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Morocco.

He will be assisted by South African Zakhele Siwela and Sierra Leone’s Suru Fatsoni, with Gabonese Samuel Oyinkinda as the fourth official.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be provided by South Africa’s Tom Abongile, with Tunisia’s Hytham Qirat and Eswatini’s Steven Onyango Yembe assisting from the VAR benches.

Referee’s past assignments

Laryea has previously overseen one Morocco World Cup 2026 qualifier against Congo, with the Atlas Lions winning 6-0.

He has officiated two Nigeria matches before: a 2015 friendly against Niger in which the Super Eagles won 2-0.

The 2018 Africa Cup of Nations for Local Players (CHAN) between Nigeria and Rwanda ended in a goalless draw.

Punchlines: The whistle might steal the show—it’s Ghanaian, after all; precision on every note. And if extra minutes pop up, blame the coffee; that’s what keeps the clock awake.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is officiating the Morocco-Nigeria AFCON semifinal?

Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea will officiate, with a multinational line-up behind him.

Who assists Laryea on the field and via VAR?

Assistants Zakhele Siwela (South Africa) and Suru Fatsoni (Sierra Leone); fourth official Samuel Oyinkinda (Gabon); VAR Tom Abongile (South Africa) with Hytham Qirat (Tunisia) and Steven Onyango Yembe (Eswatini) assisting.

What are Laryea’s notable past assignments?

Morocco World Cup 2026 qualifier vs Congo (Morocco won 6-0); two Nigeria matches including a 2015 friendly vs Niger (Nigeria won); and the 2018 CHAN Nigeria vs Rwanda (0-0).