By Joke Kujenya
MAKING A decisive appointment for the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the officials for Nigeria’s clash with Morocco at the 2025 tournament.
CAF has confirmed the appointment of Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to officiate Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash with Morocco at the 2025 tournament.
Laryea is to take charge of the high stakes fixture as released in the full list of match officials on Tuesday ahead of the encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria booked their place in the semifinal following a commanding 2 0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals and the result extended their winning run in the competition and kept them firmly on course in the title race.
Laryea will also lead the officiating team and will be assisted by Zakhele Siwela of South Africa and Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho.
CAF also appointed Mozambican Arsénio Maringule as the third assistant referee for the match.
Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda has been named as the fourth official for the semifinal contest between the Super Eagles and Morocco.
CAF further confirmed the officials assigned to the Video Assistant Referee booth, naming Tom Abongile of South Africa, Haythem Guirat of Tunisia, and Stephen Yiembe of Kenya as part of the VAR team for the game.
Lydia Abebe was appointed as the referee assessor for the semifinal fixture.
The Super Eagles head into the match after maintaining an impressive record at the tournament.
Their quarterfinal win over Algeria ensured progression to the last four and sustained their momentum in the competition as Nigeria have also scored the highest number of goals at the tournament so far with 14 goals recorded.
Morocco secured their place in the semifinal with a 2 0 victory over Cameroon, setting up the encounter with the three time African champions.
Ahead of the match, Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi spoke about the atmosphere within the Super Eagles camp and the focus of the players as they prepare for the semifinal.
“Of course, at previous AFCONs, we have done really well. The team was so strong, but at the same time, we were young, and we were learning about each other,” the Fulham player said.
Iwobi reflected on the current stage of the squad and the development of the players since the last edition of the tournament, where Nigeria finished second.
“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country,” he said.
He also spoke about the unity within the team and the bond shared by the players both on and off the pitch.
“It is not just on the pitch, but also off the pitch, there is a big unity, we are a big family. It starts from the coach. He has brought that brotherhood,” Iwobi said.
