AFCON 2025 officiating questioned as Austin Okon-Akpan blames refereeing for Super Eagles’ semi-final exit

Channels Television sports correspondent Austin Okon-Akpan has blamed poor officiating for Nigeria’s exit from the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the Super Eagles would have secured a different result under fairer match control.

Also read: Chelle Says Super Eagles Future Depends on NFF After AFCON Exit

Okon-Akpan made the assertion during a post-match analysis aired by Channels TV and shared on X on Thursday, following Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco.

The journalist stressed that football is as much a mental contest as a physical one, arguing that the referee’s handling of the match disrupted Nigeria’s composure and rhythm.

“Whether or not we agree, football is mental. When you see the way the referee is handling the match, there’s no way it’s not going to affect top professionals,” Okon-Akpan said.

He noted that television viewers often miss crucial on-field interactions that influence players’ emotions and decisions.

“You guys that watch at home are only seeing what the cameras will show you,” he added.

Okon-Akpan highlighted moments of visible frustration among Nigerian players as the game wore on, pointing to the body language and reactions of key figures.

“At some point, Alex Iwobi was tired of running, Calvin Bassey was complaining endlessly, Semi Ajayi was just looking at the referee, and Victor Osimhen was trying hard not to confront the referee, but still got booked,” he said.

According to him, the perceived inconsistencies forced the Super Eagles into excessive caution, which ultimately benefited Morocco.

“When you are meticulous instead of just careful, it affects everything. That gave the Moroccans the opportunity to do their things,” he explained.

Despite Morocco’s territorial dominance in spells, Okon-Akpan praised Nigeria’s mental resilience, describing their ability to force the match into extra time and penalties as commendable.

“For all of that to be happening and you’re still playing football, holding on and taking it beyond 90 minutes to penalties, that shows strength,” he said.

He declined to criticise any Nigerian player for missing a spot kick, describing penalty shootouts as inherently unpredictable.

“When it comes to penalties, it’s a game of lottery. I won’t criticise any player,” Okon-Akpan stated.

While acknowledging Morocco’s qualification for the final, he maintained that Nigeria were disadvantaged by officiating decisions.

“Did Morocco do enough to get to the final? Yes. But if the officiating was good, I believe we would have seen a different result,” he said.

Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title ended on Wednesday night after a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, following a goalless draw after extra time.

Also read: Chelle Says Super Eagles Future Depends on NFF After AFCON Exit

The outcome has reignited debates around AFCON 2025 officiating, with reactions continuing to trail the Super Eagles’ exit from the tournament.