Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka, has revealed that the referee made it easy for Morocco to beat defeat Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Brentford midfielder said that both the team’s tactics and some decisions made by the referees played a big role in the outcome.
Onyeka was on the field for 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before being replaced with AC Milan’s loan player, Samuel Chukwueze as part of a tactical change shortly before the shootout.
In their match against the Atlas Lions, Eric Chelle’s team had their worst game at the Afcon. They only managed two shots during the whole match, and just one of those was on target.
Meanwhile, Morocco took sixteen shots and had five that were on target.
Veteran goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou was the key player in the penalty shootout, stopping kicks from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze.
When asked what changed for Morocco, Onyeka said it was their disciplined play and the influence of Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea.
“Tactically, they were very good. They knew our plan and tried to stop us from doing it. I think that was the problem in the game,” Onyeka said to Oma Sports TV.
“But the referee also helped them out because, every time we had our moment, he stopped it, which stopped our flow and let the Moroccans take the lead. That’s why it was different.
“Morocco were really strong, and I have to give them credit for that.”
Before playing against Morocco, Nigeria showed their power by beating North African team, Algeria.
They also won the bronze medal by defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Onyeka reflected on Nigeria’s approach to games against North African teams and said, “When you play against North African countries, you know we are mentally strong.
“We are also physically strong, but we play every game without considering if the opponent is from North or West Africa.”