A man identified as Shakur Issah Fabio, who knew Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea since 2008, has shared surprising personal details about him.
He spoke amid the heavy criticism trailing Laryea’s officiating in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Morocco.
Issah, a football lover, said he decided to speak up as debates continue online over the controversial decisions from the match.
Referee Daniel Laryea under fire after AFCON match
Daniel Laryea has been widely criticised by Nigerian fans following Nigeria’s defeat to Morocco in the AFCON semi-final.
Many football lovers described his decisions during the match as questionable, sparking heated reactions on social media.
As the criticism grew, Issah took to Facebook to share his personal experience with the Ghanaian referee long before he rose to continental prominence.
Man says he has known Laryea since 2008
Issah revealed that his relationship with Laryea dates back to 2008, when the referee came to KSI and stayed with a relative in a suburb called Adukrom.
According to him, their interaction began during casual moments far from football pitches and stadiums.
How they met at a game centre in Adukrom
Issah recalled that he met Laryea at a game centre located within Saint Paul’s premises in Adukrom, at a time when PlayStation 2 was the most popular gaming console.
He said their bond was formed through video games, not football officiating.
‘He was too good for most players’ – Issah
Issah described Laryea as exceptionally skilled at video games, noting that his talent often discouraged others from challenging him.
He explained that Laryea regularly dominated games played under the popular “lose and pay” rule at the time.
In his words:
“I have known Daniel Laryea in 2008 when he came to KSI for a stay at his relatives’ place in a suburb called Adukrom.
“My engagement with him happened when I met him at a Game Center in Adukrom, Saint Paul’s premises. During those days, PlayStation 2 was the latest tv game.
“At times, Daniel will come to this Game Center and may not get the opportunity to hold a game pad to face anyone because of how good he is in defeating boys by what we called “lose and pay”.
“Game centers only connect boys to one another only when they meet at the Game Centers and once they leave from the premises, that is all.
“A memory I could reflect on for knowing Danny.”
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