AFCON 2025: NFF Dismisses Officiating Concerns Ahead of Morocco Clash

Nigeria’s Football Federation has sought to ease tension over officiating ahead of Wednesday’s AFCON semi-final between the Super Eagles and hosts Morocco in Rabat. Concerns followed CAF’s appointment of Ghana’s Daniel Laryea as referee and South Africa’s Abongile Tom as VAR chief, given Nigeria’s rivalries with both nations. CAF also named officials from South Africa, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tunisia, Kenya and Ethiopia for the game.

Despite fan anxiety, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau played down fears, saying, “I do not have the same fears… I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level,” confidently.