Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi has been selected to officiate the high-profile match between Nigeria and Morocco, with South African official Tom Abongile appointed to oversee the Video Assistant Referee duties.
The appointment was confirmed ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, which is expected to draw significant attention due to the long-standing football rivalry between both nations and the importance of the fixture within the competition.
Daniel Nii Ayi, one of Ghana’s experienced referees on the continental stage, will take charge as the center referee for the match. His selection reflects the confidence placed in him by match officials, given his previous experience handling major African fixtures and high-pressure games.
Assisting him on the pitch will be a team of officials drawn from different countries to ensure neutrality and adherence to international officiating standards. The decision to appoint referees from multiple nations aligns with established practice in major competitions organized under the Confederation of African Football.
Tom Abongile of South Africa has been named as the Video Assistant Referee for the match. His role will involve reviewing key incidents such as goals, penalties, red card decisions, and cases of mistaken identity, with the aim of supporting the on-field referee and reducing critical errors.
The use of VAR has become increasingly significant in African football, particularly in high-stakes matches involving top teams. Officials say its presence is intended to enhance fairness and accuracy, especially in games where decisions can have major consequences for tournament progression or qualification.
Nigeria and Morocco are both regarded as powerhouses in African football, and their meetings have often been closely contested. Matches between the two sides typically attract strong interest from fans, analysts, and football authorities due to their competitive history and technical quality.
Nigeria enters the fixture with high expectations, backed by a squad featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents. The team is known for its physical strength, pace, and attacking depth, qualities that often make its matches intense and demanding for match officials.
Morocco, on the other hand, has earned praise in recent years for its tactical discipline and strong defensive organization. The North African side has consistently performed well in continental and global competitions, increasing the significance of any encounter involving them.
Given the stakes and the quality of both teams, officiating is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring that the game is decided on sporting merit. The appointment of an experienced referee and a dedicated VAR official is seen as a move to minimize controversy.
Refereeing appointments for matches of this magnitude are usually the result of careful assessment by the organizing body, taking into account performance records, fitness levels, and familiarity with modern officiating tools such as VAR.
Daniel Nii Ayi’s selection also highlights the growing role of West African referees in officiating major continental fixtures. Ghanaian officials have increasingly been trusted with important assignments, reflecting broader efforts to improve refereeing standards across Africa.
The presence of Tom Abongile on VAR duty underscores South Africa’s continued involvement in the technical aspects of officiating, particularly in the area of video review, where experience and precision are critical.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, noting that clear and decisive officiating will be essential in a match likely to be played at a high tempo. Fans of both teams are expected to scrutinize decisions closely, as is often the case in fixtures involving traditional rivals.
As preparations continue for the match, attention will remain on both the teams and the officiating crew. While players and coaches focus on tactics and performance, the referees will be tasked with ensuring that the rules of the game are applied consistently throughout the encounter.
The Nigeria vs Morocco clash is widely regarded as one of the standout fixtures, and the appointment of Daniel Nii Ayi and Tom Abongile adds another layer of anticipation to an already eagerly awaited contest.
