• Referee Daniel Laryea

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and the host nation Morocco.

The decisive encounter is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where continental giants will battle for a place in the final.

Laryea’s appointment is a strong vote of confidence in his experience and consistency at the highest level of African football.

The 39-year-old official has been one of the standout referees at the ongoing tournament, earning praise for his composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

He recently served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s tense quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match that demanded sharp judgment and calm intervention.

Earlier in the competition, Laryea also took charge as centre referee in the group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso, where he effectively controlled the pace and discipline of the game.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea boasts an impressive résumé that includes multiple AFCON appearances as well as regular officiating roles in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

His ability to manage emotionally charged fixtures has earned him respect across the continent.

Victor Osimhen will wear the captain’s armband for the Super Eagles in their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This was due to the suspension of the regular captain Wilfred Ndidi due to card accumulation.

Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.

Osimhen previously captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage game against Uganda.

The striker was appointed vice-captain of the national team on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Nigeria international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Segun Odegbami has expressed strong conviction ahead of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Odegbami described the Rabat crowd as a major factor.

“They will have a 12th player, a loud army of supporters pushing them forward,” he said.

Nevertheless, he remains confident Nigeria can rise to the occasion.

Nicknamed “Mathematical” during his playing career, Odegbami said Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria brought back memories of the country’s historic dominance on the continent four decades ago.

“It felt like March 22, 1980, all over again. History was echoing loudly in my head,” Odegbami said.

The former Eagles captain recalled Nigeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria at the 1980 AFCON, when the North Africans were widely regarded as Africa’s strongest side, achieved through intensity, discipline and fearless attacking football.

“Algeria were stunned then, just as they looked helpless again two days ago,” he noted.