Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has played down concerns over possible biased officiating ahead of the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco.

Some Nigerian fans have expressed fears that match officials could favour the Atlas Lions when the teams meet in Rabat on Thursday, citing controversial decisions in Morocco’s earlier victories over Tanzania and Cameroon at the 2025 AFCON.

However, Gusau said he is confident the officials will conduct the match fairly and professionally.

“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have,” Gusau told thenff.com. “I believe the playing field is level, and I do not see a situation where match officials will work against any team’s interest.”

He urged supporters to trust the integrity of the officiating team and focus on the Super Eagles’ performance on the pitch.

Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has been appointed to take charge of the semi-final as centre referee.

The highly anticipated encounter will see Nigeria face tournament hosts Morocco for a place in the AFCON final.