Morocco 2025 AFCON: Gusau Plays Down Officiating Fears As Nigeria Eye Final Spot

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has brushed aside concerns over possible biased officiating ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday night.

Speaking amid growing anxiety among Nigerian fans, Gusau insisted there was no reason to suspect unfair treatment when the Super Eagles face the Atlas Lions in the last four of the tournament.

“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have,” he said. “I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.

“Last summer, we were here in Morocco, for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory. There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF, as well as the whole Women’s, is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”

Gusau, who also heads WAFU B, was reacting to widespread speculation that match officials could favour the Atlas Lions, who are chasing a second continental crown, 50 years after lifting their first AFCON title.

Despite the noise outside, confidence remains high within the Super Eagles camp. The players have maintained a calm and focused routine at the Hotel Rihab and during training sessions at the Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI as preparations intensify for the Rabat showdown.

Sources close to the Atlas Lions suggest there is growing concern over the influence of Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi, whose performances have drawn admiration.

Iwobi delivered 22 line-breaking passes in Nigeria’s 4-0 quarter-final win over Mozambique and added 14 more in the victory against Algeria Desert Foxes in Marrakech. Nigeria emerged from both matches with six goals scored and none conceded.

The 29-year-old has also left his mark on the tournament’s score sheet, providing the assists for Nigeria’s opening two goals in the 2-1 group-stage win over Tanzania in Fés.

Since making his international debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium in October 2015, Iwobi has grown into one of Nigeria’s most reliable midfield figures. Wednesday night’s semi-final will see him earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles.