The Instagram account of prominent Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has reportedly disappeared following a massive wave of criticism from Nigerian supporters. The backlash stems from his officiating during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final, which saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles eliminated by host nation Morocco.
The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended 0–0 after extra time, with Morocco eventually prevailing 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Pre-Match Concerns and In-Game Friction
Even before the opening whistle, sections of the Nigerian fanbase expressed unease over the appointment of a Ghanaian official for such a critical fixture, citing the long-standing footballing rivalry between the two West African giants. These concerns intensified during the match as several calls went against the Nigerians.
A primary flashpoint occurred when defender Calvin Bassey was issued a yellow card. The booking was deemed “harsh” by observers and carries significant weight, as it results in Bassey’s suspension for Nigeria’s next competitive outing.
Mass-Reporting and Account Disappearance
In the hours following Nigeria’s exit, frustrated fans reportedly tracked down Laryea’s social media profiles.
- The Attack: Netizens launched a coordinated “reporting” campaign against his handle.
- The Result: As of the latest check, his Instagram page is no longer accessible, though it remains unclear if the platform suspended the account or if Laryea deactivated it personally to avoid further abuse.
Player and Media Reactions
The frustration was not limited to the stands. Several Super Eagles players were vocal about their dissatisfaction in the post-match mixed zone.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Defender): “The referee was appalling. I’m not saying that’s the reason why we lost, but he was making very, very wrong decisions and it’s really painful to see that we have referees like that in a game like today.”
Akor Adams (Striker): When approached for a comment while exiting the stadium, Adams offered a blunt response: “Make una go interview the referee.”
Ongoing Online Debate
The controversy continues to trend across platforms like X and TikTok, with many Nigerian fans alleging that the officiating favored the host nation. While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not filed a formal protest regarding the officiating, the disappearance of Laryea’s digital presence underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by officials in high-stakes international football.
Source: Africa Publicity
Related Posts:
Samuel Eto’o Hit with Four-Match Ban and Fine for AFCON Misconduct
Comedian Bovi Slams Super Eagles and Samuel Chukwueze After Semi-Final Defeat
Burkina Faso Sacks Coach Brama Traore Following Round of 16 Exit
