AFCON 2025: CAF appoints Ghanaian referee to officiate Nigeria vs Morocco clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to take charge of the high-profile 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 encounter between Nigeria and Morocco.

CAF has confirmed the officiating team for the eagerly anticipated showdown, which will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT.

Laryea, one of Africa’s most experienced and respected referees, will be supported by a diverse team of officials drawn from across the continent, reflecting CAF’s commitment to neutrality and officiating balance in major fixtures.

South Africa’s Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela has been named Assistant Referee 1, while Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho will serve as Assistant Referee 2. Arsenio Chadreque Maringule of Mozambique completes the line-up as Assistant Referee 3.

The role of Fourth Official has been assigned to Samuel Uwikunda of Rwanda, who will oversee technical area conduct and substitutions during the match.

CAF has also appointed a strong Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for the fixture. Abongile Tom of South Africa will operate as the main VAR, with Haythem Guirat of Tunisia serving as Assistant VAR 1. Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya has been named Assistant VAR 2.

In addition, Lidya Tafesse Abebe of Ethiopia, a highly respected former referee, will act as the Referee Assessor for the match.

The Nigeria vs Morocco encounter is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament, with both nations boasting rich football histories and strong continental pedigrees.

All eyes will be on Rabat on January 14 as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Atlas Lions of Morocco battle for supremacy under the watchful eyes of Africa’s elite match officials.