The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the officiating team for Wednesday’s heavyweight encounter., Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 semi-final fixture.
Nigeria arrive in Rabat riding a wave of confidence after a dominant run through the tournament, while Morocco carry the weight of home expectation, a hostile crowd, and an unbroken record at the venue.
With over 53,000 fans expected inside the stadium, the Super Eagles will be tested not just by Morocco’s quality, but by an atmosphere many have described as a “15 vs 11” scenario.
The officials appointed are:
Both officials have been deeply involved in AFCON 2025 and arrive with significant scrutiny following controversial moments earlier in the tournament.
Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea’s AFCON 2025 Track Record
Laryea officiated several high-profile matches, including:
Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traoré openly questioned the officiating, criticizing why a penalty claim for his team was not reviewed by VAR.
Laryea also served as VAR during the Morocco vs Cameroon quarter-final, which sparked intense debate after Cameroon were denied multiple penalty appeals.
One incident saw Bryan Mbeumo apparently clipped in the box by Adam Masina, but no intervention followed.
Abongile Tom: VAR Official With Authority and Experience
South African referee Abongile Tom has impressed at AFCON 2025, officiating three matches as centre referee before being assigned VAR duties for the semi-final.
Key Matches
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Mali vs Tunisia (Round of 16, Jan 3, 2026)
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Result: 1–1 (Mali won 2–1 on penalties)
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Six yellow cards, one red card
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Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly sent off in the 26th minute
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Mali vs Senegal (Quarter-Final, Jan 9, 2026)
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Result: Senegal 1–0 Mali
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Six yellow cards, one red card
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Yves Bissouma sent off after two yellow cards
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Nigeria vs Morocco Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Morocco have met 11 times overall:
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Morocco wins: 6
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Nigeria wins: 3
AFCON Meetings
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1976 Group Stage: Morocco 3–1 Nigeria
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1976 Final Round: Morocco 3–1 Nigeria
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1980 Semi-Final: Nigeria 1–0 Morocco
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2000 AFCON: Nigeria 2–0 Morocco
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2004 AFCON: Morocco 1–0 Nigeria
History slightly favours Morocco, but Nigeria’s most famous AFCON win over the Atlas Lions came in a semi-final, a memory Super Eagles fans hope will be repeated.
A Night That Could Define AFCON 2025
With history, pressure, refereeing scrutiny, and continental glory all converging in Rabat, Nigeria vs Morocco promises to be one of the most intense AFCON semi-finals in recent memory.
For the Super Eagles, it is a chance to silence a hostile stadium, overcome history, and move one step closer to reclaiming Africa’s biggest prize. For Morocco, it is an opportunity to ride home support and end a near 50-year wait for continental glory.
One way or another, Tuesday night will shape the story of AFCON 2025.
