Nigerian football fans have criticised Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea, accusing him of biased and poor officiating during the Super Eagles’ 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco on Wednesday night.

After a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria saw Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi’s penalties saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The match statistics fueled fan frustration: Nigeria committed 29 fouls compared to Morocco’s 19 but received two yellow cards, while the hosts went unpunished, prompting claims of one-sided officiating.

Many fans linked the controversy to the historical rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, suggesting the referee may have had an extra incentive against the three-time champions.

At a Lagos State viewing centre, supporters voiced their dissatisfaction with Laryea’s decisions throughout the match. Olakunle Okunbanjo said, “He’s clearly biased. Some home advantage is expected, but many calls were clearly wrong. Being Ghanaian, some of this was anticipated given our rivalry.”

Bernard Daniel added, “He made so many poor calls against us, maybe because Morocco are the hosts. Even commentators were confused, especially over the corner kick ruled as a goal kick during the Victor Osimhen incident.”

Fans reacted loudly to each contentious decision at the viewing centre, while social media exploded with criticism. On X, user Roweazy Zetarium posted a photo of Laryea with the caption: “The worst referee in AFCON 26.” Another fan wrote, “God punish that referee, but before God, men go first punish am!”

Several supporters highlighted specific incidents, such as yellow cards against Calvin Bassey, which will see him miss the third-place play-off. Ìléríolúwa (@Ilerioluwakiye_) commented, “How will a referee give a yellow card to someone whose shirt was pulled? I still don’t understand.”

Other fans admitted Morocco were the better team but criticized the referee’s influence. @machinche_250 wrote, “Though Morocco were better, that Ghanaian referee was useless with most of his calls,” while @ade_mummy questioned why Morocco received no cautions throughout the match.

Daniel Laryea, a 38-year-old FIFA-listed referee since 2014, was appointed by the Confederation of African Football to oversee the high-profile semi-final. This was his second match in the tournament; he previously officiated Burkina Faso’s 1-0 group-stage defeat to Algeria.

Laryea, who regularly officiates in the Ghana Premier League, was assisted by Zakhele Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho, and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique, with Samuel Uwikunda as fourth official. Video Assistant Referee duties were handled by Abongile Tom of South Africa, with Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya as assistant VAR officials.

The referee has experience in the African Nations Championship, AFCON, and the CAF Women’s Champions League, but his handling of Nigeria’s semi-final encounter has sparked widespread debate among fans.