AFCON 2025: Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to officiate Nigeria vs Morocco Clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea of Ghana to referee the highly anticipated 1xBET AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and Morocco.

Laryea, born on 11 September 1987 in Accra, has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2014 and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most experienced match officials.

Laryea’s passion for football began at a young age. He attended Accra Academy, where he played football and served as the team’s goalkeeper.

Beyond the pitch, he has a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Ghana Business School and a degree in Physical Education from the University of Education, Winneba.

Refereeing Career

Laryea started his professional refereeing journey at just 17, officiating in Ghana’s lower division leagues.

In 2012, at age 24, he made his debut in the Ghana Premier League in a match between Medeama and Berekum Chelsea. Two years later, he earned his FIFA badge, paving the way for international assignments.

Since then, Laryea has officiated in numerous high-profile tournaments across Africa, including:

The 2017 CAF U-17 Cup of Nations in Gabon

The 2018 WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana

The 2018 CHAN hosted by Morocco

The 2020 CHAN in Cameroon

The 2021 Ghanaian FA Cup Final between Hearts of Oak and Ashanti Gold

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon

The 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, serving as AVAR in the final

He also officiated the opening match of the 2023 African Nations Championship between Algeria and Libya as an Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR), demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in the era of VAR technology.

What to expect from Laryea

Strict but Fair Officiating

Laryea is known for consistency and fairness. He enforces the rules firmly, which means players should avoid reckless challenges or dissent. The Super Eagles must play with discipline, as Laryea does not hesitate to issue yellow or red cards when necessary, especially in high-stakes matches.

Experience in High-Pressure Games

He has officiated continental tournaments, cup finals, and high-profile league matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations and Ghanaian FA Cup finals. This experience suggests he can handle tense matches with calm authority. The Super Eagles can expect a referee who is composed under pressure, but also keenly observant of all on-field incidents.

Familiarity with African Football Style

Having worked extensively in Ghana and across Africa, including CHAN and WAFU competitions, Laryea is accustomed to the fast-paced, physical style of African football. Players will need to stay sharp and avoid overly aggressive tackles, as he is experienced in spotting fouls that could disrupt game flow.

Comfort with Modern Technology

Laryea has served as an AVAR (Assistant Video Assistant Referee) in CAF competitions, including the Women’s Champions League. This shows he is comfortable using VAR technology, which means any controversial incident may be reviewed thoroughly, leaving little room for protests or theatrics.

Players Should Stay Disciplined

Given his calm but authoritative style, the best strategy for Nigeria is to:

Play clean, controlled football

Avoid unnecessary fouls or confrontations

Respect his decisions and avoid arguing with the referee

Bottom line:

The Super Eagles do not need to fear Laryea, but they must exercise discipline and composure. His officiating style favors fair, structured play, and he will penalize indiscipline strictly. A smart, patient approach will serve Nigeria well.