SHOCKING REF APPOINTMENT! Ghanaian Official + South African VAR for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON Semi-Final – Nigerians in Panic Mode Ahead of Rabat Showdown

The stage is set for one of the biggest clashes in recent AFCON history, but the spotlight has shifted dramatically to the match officials before a ball is even kicked. CAF has confirmed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea will take charge of Wednesday's explosive semi-final between Nigeria's Super Eagles and hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (kick-off 9:00 PM Nigerian time / 21:00 local).

This appointment has sparked immediate reactions across Nigerian football circles, with many fans questioning the choice given historical rivalries and recent controversies surrounding officiating in the tournament. Laryea, a respected FIFA-listed referee since 2014, brings extensive experience from AFCON games, CAF Champions League ties, and even VAR duties earlier in this edition—including Morocco's quarter-final win over Cameroon.

Assisting Laryea on the field are:

• Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa) – Assistant Referee 1
• Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho) – Assistant Referee 2
• Arsénio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique) – Third Assistant / Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)

In the VAR room, the team features:

• Lead VAR: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Assistant VARs: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia) and Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)

Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia) has been named as the referee assessor for the high-stakes encounter.

The announcement, made by CAF on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, comes amid heightened scrutiny of refereeing decisions throughout the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Morocco coach Walid Regragui has already dismissed bias claims, insisting his team has earned their spot through merit rather than favorable calls. Meanwhile, Nigeria's NFF President has moved to calm nerves, assuring fans that "CAF and the world are watching" and that officials will uphold the highest standards at this elite level.

For Nigeria—unbeaten and dominant so far, with stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi firing—the stakes couldn't be higher. A win secures a spot in the final on January 18 (potentially against Senegal or Egypt) and a shot at a fourth AFCON crown. Morocco, buoyed by massive home support in their near-70,000 capacity stadium, aim to reach their first final in decades and claim a long-awaited title on home soil.

Social media is already buzzing with memes, concerns, and memes about "facing Ghana and South Africa at the same time" alongside the Atlas Lions. Will Laryea's composure in high-pressure games keep things fair, or will controversy overshadow the football? One thing is certain: this semi-final promises drama on and off the pitch.

Super Eagles fans, stay locked in—this is continental glory on the line. Who do you think will handle the pressure best: the officials or the players? Drop your thoughts below!