AFCON 2025: Osimhen slams the refereeing after Nigeria’s elimination by Morocco

Eliminated in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal on penalties by Morocco, Victor Osimhen strongly criticized the performance of the Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea, while praising the courage and commitment of the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, didn’t mince his words about Daniel Nii Laryea’s officiating during the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal Nigeria lost to Morocco on Wednesday night.

After a tight match finished goalless, the Atlas Lions prevailed on penalties (4-2), an outcome that Galatasaray’s center-forward had trouble swallowing. Interviewed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Osimhen said that the Ghanaian referee’s performance hadn’t lived up to the occasion. In terms of refereeing, it wasn’t a great match, it was really bad, he said. Despite his frustration, the Nigerian made sure to show fair play. I congratulate Morocco and I am proud of my team for the spirit and the fight against a very high-quality opponent, he added.

Now, Osimhen is looking ahead to the bronze medal match against Egypt on Saturday, with the aim of delivering a bronze medal to Nigerian supporters. Meanwhile, his teammate Bright Osayi-Samuel had also criticized Laryea’s officiating, although he received, in Ghana, the support of some official voices, including MP Patrick Yaw Boamah, who praised an “exemplary” performance.