Ghanaian FIFA Referee Daniel Laryea to handle Morocco – Nigeria clash

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

For exibiting total professionalism and courage in all his duties in the AFCON 2025, FIFA Referee Daniel Nii Laryea Ayi has been given a tough task to execute by CAF.

The calm but principle referee has been assigned to direct officiating affairs of the titanic semifinal clash between Morocco and Nigeria.

It is tagged as the mother of all battles judging from the mental fortitude and shape of both teams but Referee Laryea will count on his vast experience to deliver without fear or favour.

When the Super Eagles of Nigeria clash with their Morocco counterparts on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, some keys things will be looked out for.

First is whether Morocco can beat Nigeria and progress to the finals for the ultimate.

In the last 22 years, only three countries have been able to host and win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Tunisia hosted and won the AFCON in 2004. Egypt won the 2006 edition at their home soil. Ivory Coast remains the last nation to host and win the AFCON in 2024 after a poor start in the competition.

The entire continent will be watching how Morocco who defeated Cameroon 2-0 at the quarter finals will fare this time.

Secondly, Nigeria will also try their possible best if they can qualify for the final and fight for their fourth African glory.

Coach Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico.

They qualify from their group as second best but where it mattered most at the knockout stage, DR. Congo stopped them in the finals to book their tickets for the world play-offs.

More also, Ghanaians will be watching how their fellow, Referee Daniel Laryea will mediate the cracker.

Referee Daniel Laryea has performed creditable well in the competition apart from being assigned as Video Match Official in some games.