AFCON Fallout: Fans Turn On Referee After Super Eagles Crash Out
“Anger in the Stands and Online”
NIGERIAN football fans have erupted in anger following the Super Eagles’ dramatic semi-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, directing much of their frustration at Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea, whom they accuse of inconsistent and biased officiating.
Nigeria bowed out after losing 4–2 on penalties to host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, following a goalless draw after extra time. While the shootout proved decisive, many supporters insist the match was shaped long before penalties were taken.
Statistics from the encounter have fuelled the controversy. Nigeria committed 29 fouls and Morocco 19, yet only the Super Eagles were shown yellow cards — two in total — while the hosts escaped the match without a single caution. To fans, the imbalance raised serious questions about fairness, particularly in a high-stakes semi-final.
At a packed viewing centre in Lagos, emotions ran high as contentious decisions repeatedly went against Nigeria. Olakunle Okunbanjo described the officiating as “extra biased,” suggesting that both home advantage and historical Nigeria-Ghana rivalry played a role.
Bernard Daniel echoed similar concerns, pointing to moments that left even television commentators confused. He cited an incident involving Victor Osimhen in extra time where a deflected ball was ruled a goal kick instead of a corner, calling it “one of many strange calls.”
Online, reactions were even more explosive. Fans took to X to vent their frustration, with some labelling Laryea “the worst referee” of the tournament. Others questioned how a semi-final could be completed without a single yellow card for the host team.
Particular outrage followed the yellow card shown to Calvin Bassey, which rules him out of Nigeria’s third-place playoff. Fans argued that Bassey was penalised for an incident in which he appeared to be fouled himself.
Although some supporters admitted Morocco played well, many maintained that poor officiating tilted the balance. As the dust settles, calls are growing for CAF to review refereeing standards in high-profile knockout matches.
