Laryea addressed the issue in a video that went viral on Sunday, showing him being welcomed with flowers on arrival at Accra airport after the tournament. Speaking to reporters, the experienced referee described the Morocco–Nigeria encounter as the most demanding match of the competition, citing the intensity and pressure that typically accompany semifinal fixtures.
The highly anticipated clash, played in Rabat, ended goalless after 120 minutes before Morocco edged Nigeria 4–2 on penalties to secure a place in the final against Senegal. The result ended the Super Eagles’ quest for a fourth AFCON title, although Nigeria later claimed the bronze medal in the third-place playoff.
According to Laryea, semifinal matches represent a critical stage in any major tournament, as teams are fully focused on reaching the final after weeks of preparation.
“Semi-finals are normally the toughest games in tournaments because everyone wants to get to the final,” he said. “Whatever effort teams have put in up to that point, this is the stage where it really matters.”
He also highlighted the stature of the Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as one of the most prestigious tournaments globally.
“AFCON is the biggest stage in Africa and one of the top tournaments in the world. You have the World Cup, the Euros, and then AFCON. So, as a referee, being trusted with that stage is a very big opportunity,” Laryea said.
The official revealed that the Morocco–Nigeria match was his first AFCON semifinal, despite having officiated in three previous editions of the competition. He said the appointment reflected the organisers’ confidence in his abilities, even though the occasion naturally came with added pressure.
“This was my first AFCON semi-final. I’ve done three AFCONs before, but this was the first time at that stage. When you are appointed for such a match, it means they trust your quality,” he explained. “Still, there is anxiety because of the level of the game.”
The semifinal sparked debate, particularly among Nigerian supporters, who questioned several refereeing decisions. One of the most criticised incidents was the yellow card shown to defender Calvin Bassey, which ruled him out of Nigeria’s next match.
Responding to claims that he favoured Morocco, Laryea dismissed the accusations, insisting that he remained focused solely on officiating the game.
“For me, I just do my refereeing. I focus on the football. I don’t listen to what goes on, whether on the pitch or on social media,” he said.
Concerns had also been raised by some Nigerian fans prior to the match over the appointment of a Ghanaian referee, given the long-standing football rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria. Following Nigeria’s elimination, criticism intensified online, with reports suggesting that Laryea’s Instagram account was deactivated after being flooded with negative comments.
Despite the backlash, Laryea maintained that he carried out his duties professionally, emphasising that high-profile matches inevitably attract scrutiny due to their importance and emotional stakes.