The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Mr. Daniel Nii Laryea, a Ghanaian referee, to officiate Nigeria’s semi-final clash against hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Mr. Victor Osimhen prepares to captain the Super Eagles in the high-stakes encounter.

CAF released the list of match officials on Tuesday ahead of the keenly anticipated semi-final scheduled for Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 8 p.m.

Mr. Laryea will be assisted by Mr. Zakhele Siwela of South Africa and Mr. Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho, while Mr. Arsénio Maringule of Mozambique has been named as the third assistant referee. Mr. Samuel Uwikunda of Rwanda will serve as the fourth official.

CAF also appointed Mr. Tom Abongile of South Africa, Mr. Haythem Guirat of Tunisia, and Mr. Stephen Yiembe of Kenya to oversee proceedings in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth. Ms. Lydia Abebe has been designated as the referee assessor for the semi-final.

Nigeria will head into the encounter buoyed by strong form, having recorded a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The Super Eagles have scored 14 goals, the highest tally at the tournament so far, underlining their attacking prowess.

Morocco, meanwhile, booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2–0 win over Cameroon, setting up a mouth-watering contest against the three-time African champions.

Ahead of the fixture, Nigeria received a further boost with confirmation that Mr. Osimhen will captain the side in place of suspended skipper Mr. Wilfred Ndidi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Ndidi was ruled out after accumulating two yellow cards during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win against Tunisia.

Mr. Osimhen, Nigeria’s vice-captain, is no stranger to leadership responsibilities, having previously worn the armband during the Super Eagles’ final group-stage match against Uganda. He was instrumental in the quarter-final victory over Algeria, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Speaking ahead of the semi-final, midfielder Mr. Alex Iwobi praised the unity within the Nigerian camp, saying the players are determined to make history after finishing runners-up at the previous edition of the tournament.

“Of course, at previous AFCONs, we have done really well. The team was so strong, but at the same time, we were young, and we were learning about each other,” the Fulham player said.

“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country.

“It is not just on the pitch but also off the pitch. There is a big unity; we are a big family. It starts from the coach — he has brought that brotherhood.”

Nigeria’s credentials have also been endorsed by South African forward Mr. Zakhele Lepasa, who tipped the Super Eagles as favourites for the title, stating that none of the remaining teams can effectively contain Mr. Osimhen and Mr. Ademola Lookman.

Mr. Lepasa said Nigeria were under pressure after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and were keen to prove that they remain Africa’s dominant football force.

He described the Super Eagles as the strongest side in the competition, citing their 14 goals, attacking depth, and balance led by Mr. Osimhen and Mr. Lookman.

Nigeria’s impressive run in Morocco has eased earlier criticism, with the Super Eagles emerging as the tournament’s most prolific attacking team.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Mr. Lepasa questioned whether the hosts have been adequately tested in the competition. He noted that Morocco’s reliance on Mr. Brahim Díaz, who has scored five of their nine goals, contrasts with Nigeria’s more evenly distributed scoring threat.

According to him, Nigeria’s attacking balance gives the Super Eagles a decisive edge, adding that he does not see Morocco stopping Mr. Osimhen and Mr. Lookman with ease.