“Make una go interview referee,” was the retort of one of Nigeria’s Super Eagles players after losing to the hosts, Morocco, on penalties.

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel also slammed Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea’s handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco on Wednesday, calling his performance “appalling”.

The Birmingham City player disclosed this while speaking to AdemolaVictorTv following Nigeria’s 4-2 loss to Morocco on penalties, ending the Eagles’ push to win the AFCON again after 13 years.

He stressed that the officiating in the game fell short of the standard expected for such a high-profile game.

“One thing I would say is that the refereeing was appalling,” Osayi-Samuel said. “I am not saying that is the reason why we lost, but he was just making very wrong decisions, and it is really painful that we have a referee like that in a big game like today. I wish Morocco all the best.”

Commenting on the match result, the 28-year-old, who played the full 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, admitted the loss in the shootout was painful but maintained the Eagles played brilliantly throughout.

“It is painful, very painful to lose. I think we played very well. The back four was amazing. I am proud of the team. The manager and the board members came down to say they are proud of the team. It is just really painful that we lost on penalties,” he stated.

Forward Akor Adams also expressed his displeasure with the officiating, telling journalists in the mixed zone who were asking him for interviews to go ahead and speak with the referee instead.

“Make una go interview referee,” the Sevilla forward said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match in Casablanca on Saturday.