Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to calm growing concerns over officiating ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco.
The response follows the Confederation of African Football’s decision to appoint Ghana’s Daniel Laryea as referee, with South Africa’s Abongile Tom in charge of Video Assistant Referee operations for Wednesday’s match in Rabat.
The appointments have drawn scrutiny in Nigeria, where longstanding football rivalries with both Ghana and South Africa have heightened sensitivities around the fixture.
However, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau dismissed fears that the officials could influence the outcome, insisting there was no basis for suspicion.
“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have,” Gusau told Guardian.
“I believe the playing pitch is level, and I do not see any situation where match officials will work against the interest of any team.”
Daniel Laryea. Photo Credit: CAF
Gusau added that Africa’s top officials are fully aware of the scrutiny that comes with officiating at the continent’s flagship tournament.
“This is the highest level of football in Africa. The officials know that CAF, the fans and the world are watching, and they will not do anything untoward,” he said.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s recent success on Moroccan soil as reassurance.
“We were here last year for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and defeated the host nation in the final. There is nothing to fear.”
NFF President Gusua, Chelle and NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.Photo Credit: Getty Images
CAF has stood by its selections, assembling a multinational officiating crew that includes assistants from South Africa and Lesotho, a Rwandan fourth official, and VAR support from Tunisia and Kenya.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has also rejected suggestions that refereeing decisions have favoured the host nation, describing such claims as a familiar narrative in African football.
“It’s always a shame to go down this path,” Regragui told reporters.“People want to make others believe that matches are always won this way.”
He argued that inconsistent decisions are part of football everywhere, not just on the African continent.
“A penalty can be given in one match and not in another. These controversies exist in Africa and in Europe,” he said.
Photo Credit: AFP
READ MORE:afcon-semi-final-regragui-shrugs-off-job-fears-as-morocco-prepare-for-super-eagles
Nigeria are chasing a record ninth AFCON final appearance and arrive as one of the tournament’s most prolific sides. Morocco, meanwhile, are seeking a place in their first final since winning the competition in 1976.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The semi-final will be played on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
