Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has criticised the officiating of Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea following Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final defeat to Morocco on Wednesday.
Osimhen described the refereeing as “bad” after the match ended goalless before Morocco defeated Nigeria 4–2 on penalties. Speaking during a post-match interview in Rabat, the Galatasaray forward said the officiating fell below expectations.
“The game was nothing to write home about in terms of the officiating; it was that bad,” Osimhen said, while also congratulating Morocco and praising his teammates for their performance against a strong opponent.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the third-place match against Egypt on Saturday, with Osimhen hoping to inspire the Super Eagles to victory.
Osimhen’s comments echoed those of teammate Bright Osayi-Samuel, who also criticised Laryea’s handling of the game. However, the referee received contrasting reactions, with Ghanaian lawmaker Patrick Yaw Boamah commending his “outstanding officiating.”