Sport
CAF Appoints Referee for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON Clash
CAF appoints officiating team for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON clash, with Ghanaian referee set to oversee the high-stakes encounter in Rabat
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to officiate the high-profile 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations 2025 match between Nigeria and Morocco.
Also read: Real Madrid Consider Klopp as Summer Coaching Option
CAF confirmed the full officiating team for the eagerly anticipated fixture, scheduled for Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. GMT.
The appointment places one of Africa’s most experienced referees at the centre of a decisive Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON encounter expected to draw continental attention.
Laryea will be assisted by Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela of South Africa as Assistant Referee One and Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho as Assistant Referee Two.
Mozambique’s Arsenio Chadreque Maringule has been named Assistant Referee Three.
Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will serve as Fourth Official, overseeing technical areas and substitutions throughout the match.
CAF has also selected a strong Video Assistant Referee team to support on-field decisions.
Abongile Tom of South Africa will operate as the main VAR, with Haythem Guirat of Tunisia as Assistant VAR One and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya as Assistant VAR Two.
Highly respected former Ethiopian referee Lidya Tafesse Abebe has been appointed Referee Assessor, reinforcing CAF’s emphasis on fairness and officiating excellence.
The Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON clash is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s standout fixtures, with both sides carrying rich football heritage and strong ambitions.
Also read: Real Madrid Consider Klopp as Summer Coaching Option
All eyes will be on Rabat as the Super Eagles of Nigeria face the Atlas Lions of Morocco under the watchful supervision of Africa’s elite match officials.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from Portugal international duty after 23 years, ending a career that included 146 goals in 234 games
On 5 November 2026, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team just as a rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been patched up.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
The 41-year-old posted a video on social media in which he declared that the time had come to hang up the number 7 jersey.
“Portugal will always be in me,” he said. “The time has come to hang up the number 7 of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Ronaldo added that the decision was not easy and had been taken with both the head and the heart.
He leaves as Portugal’s most capped player and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His career highlights include the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League triumphs.
The announcement comes a day before Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for the November Nations League fixtures, following reports that Ronaldo had been included in the preliminary selection after a September fallout over playing time.
In October, Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking his word after being left as an unused substitute against Norway, leading him to leave the national team camp.
He later apologised and stated he remained available after any punishment.
The pair were reported to have cleared the air, yet Ronaldo has now chosen to step away entirely.
The decision closes one of the most remarkable international careers the sport has seen and leaves Portugal without its long-serving captain for the remainder of the Nations League campaign.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
Football has been stunned by the sudden end to Ronaldo’s Portugal chapter. While he continues at club level with Al Nassr, the national team must now look to the future without its greatest ever player.
José Mourinho says he is 80 per cent soft and 20 per cent tough with Vinicius Júnior after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over AEK Athens
CAF unveils prestigious 2026 Player of the Year nominees including Sadio Mané, Achraf Hakimi and Amad Diallo, with the awards ceremony set for Lagos
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News6 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business3 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)