A man identified as Shakur Issah Fabio has come forward with unexpected personal insights about Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, amid the intense backlash following his officiating in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Issah, a self-described football enthusiast, said he felt compelled to speak as heated debates and criticisms continued to dominate social media over what many Nigerian fans described as controversial refereeing decisions during the high-stakes encounter.
Laryea Faces Heavy Backlash After AFCON Semi-Final
Daniel Laryea has been at the centre of widespread criticism since the match, with many football fans questioning several calls made during the game. The referee’s performance sparked outrage online, particularly among Nigerian supporters who believe the officiating influenced the outcome of the semi-final clash.
As reactions intensified, Issah took to Facebook to share a personal story aimed at offering a different perspective on the much-criticised referee one that predates Laryea’s rise to international prominence.
“I’ve Known Him Since 2008” – Issah
According to Issah, his relationship with Daniel Laryea dates back to 2008, long before the referee became a familiar figure on the African football scene. He revealed that Laryea had travelled to Kumasi Institute of Science and Industry (KSI) at the time and stayed with a relative in Adukrom, a suburb where their paths crossed.
Issah explained that their interaction had nothing to do with football officiating or refereeing, but rather with everyday social activities common among young people at the time.
Bonded Over Video Games, Not Football
Issah recalled meeting Laryea at a game centre located within Saint Paul’s premises in Adukrom, during an era when PlayStation 2 was the dominant gaming console.
He said their connection was formed through competitive video gaming, describing Laryea as exceptionally skilled and almost unbeatable.
According to Issah, Laryea’s reputation at the game centre was such that many players avoided competing against him under the popular “lose and pay” rule, where the loser paid for the next round.
“He Was Too Good for Most Players”
Issah painted a picture of Laryea as a quiet but dominant presence at the game centre, whose gaming ability often denied him the chance to even get a controller because others feared losing money.
Sharing his recollection, Issah wrote:
“I have known Daniel Laryea since 2008 when he came to KSI and stayed at his relatives’ place in a suburb called Adukrom.
My engagement with him happened when I met him at a game centre in Adukrom, Saint Paul’s premises. During those days, PlayStation 2 was the latest TV game.
At times, Daniel would come to the game centre and might not even get the chance to hold a game pad because of how good he was at defeating boys under what we called ‘lose and pay’.
Game centres only connected boys when they met there, and once they left the premises, that was all.
This is a memory I can reflect on for knowing Danny.”
Mixed Reactions as Debate Continues
While Issah’s revelation has added a human angle to the ongoing controversy surrounding Laryea, it has done little to calm the broader debate over refereeing standards at the AFCON tournament.
As discussions rage on, football fans across Africa remain divided some demanding accountability over the match officiating, while others argue that referees, like players, are human and subject to error.
