AFCON Semi-final: Ghanaian referee Laryea’s Instagram account taken down after backlash from Nigerians
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea’s Instagram account has been taken down following criticism from Nigerians over his officiating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals match against Morocco.
The match, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, ended 0–0 after extra time, with Morocco prevailing 4–2 in the penalty shootout to secure a place in the final.
Nigerian fans expressed strong displeasure with Laryea’s officiating, claiming his decisions were biased in favour of the host nation.
Among the most contested calls was a yellow card shown to Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, which fans described as unfair, saying Morocco committed fouls but did not receive such cards.
Fans took to social media to say they will report the referee’s Instagram page, and shortly after the match, by Thursday, Laryea’s Instagram page became inaccessible.
Efforts by Peoples Gazette to get a response from Meta, Instagram’s parent company, were unsuccessful.
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel said the “referee was appalling,” stressing that while the team’s performance was a factor, some decisions were “wrong.”
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams, clearly frustrated after the match, refused to answer questions from reporters, saying, “Make una go interview the referee.”
When asked about the criticisms, Laryea told Sporty TV, “No, it’s okay. It’s football.”
Laryea is a seasoned Ghanaian referee who has officiated in domestic and international competitions for several years.
A FIFA‑listed official since 2014, he has been in charge of matches in previous AFCON tournaments and other major continental games.
A new Instagram account appearing to belong to Laryear surfaced, with three posts and the comment section turned off.
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