Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are poised to challenge Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane’s unblemished tournament record in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, as the Super Eagles aim to overcome a historical nemesis in their quest for a fourth continental title.
The 27-year-old Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has maintained clean sheets across Algeria’s matches so far, including group stage wins over Sudan and Burkina Faso and a dramatic extra-time triumph against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 16.
Osimhen and Lookman, both former African Players of the Year, have each netted three goals in the 2025 edition hosted by Morocco, powering Nigeria to the tournament’s highest tally of 12 strikes, though the team has conceded four — the most among remaining sides.
Algeria holds a commanding edge in head-to-head clashes, with four victories and two draws in nine encounters, including a 5-1 thrashing en route to their 1990 AFCON crown on home soil.
Zidane, who began his career with Real Madrid’s reserve team and now plies his trade at Spanish second-division club Granada, debuted for Algeria in a World Cup qualifier last November after switching allegiances from France’s youth setups.
Reflecting on his family’s presence at matches, Zidane said: “It is special when your family come to watch.”
He added: “I am proud to represent Algeria and play in the Africa Cup of Nations. It is a great experience,” while emphasizing his independence: “I try to be myself, to build my career on my terms, step by step.”
Under Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Desert Foxes have rebounded from recent group-stage disappointments, with substitute Adil Boulbina’s thunderbolt securing their spot against DRC.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, wary of defensive lapses, will rely on his potent attack to breach Zidane’s fortress in the high-stakes duel at Marrakesh Stadium.
