Nigeria’s attacking stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, are expected to put Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane under serious pressure when both teams clash in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Zidane, the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, is the only first-choice goalkeeper among the remaining eight teams yet to concede a goal at the tournament. However, his perfect record will face its toughest challenge on Saturday in Marrakesh against a Nigerian attack that has been ruthless in front of goal.
Osimhen and Lookman, both former African Player of the Year winners, have been in fine form, scoring three goals each and leading Nigeria’s charge as the tournament’s top scorers with 12 goals so far.
At 27, Luca Zidane kept clean sheets against Sudan and Burkina Faso in the group stage before being rested for the final group match against Equatorial Guinea. He returned for Algeria’s round-of-16 encounter with DR Congo and once again kept goal intact during a tense extra-time victory.
Zidane has enjoyed strong family support throughout the competition, with his famous father, mother and brother present at every match he has featured in.
“It is special when your family comes to watch,” said the Granada goalkeeper, who began his professional career with Real Madrid B in 2016.
Although born in France, Zidane was eligible to represent France, Spain or Algeria. He chose Algeria, where his grandparents hail from, and made his international debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uganda last November.
“I am proud to represent Algeria and play at the Africa Cup of Nations. It is a great experience,” he said, adding that he is focused on building his career in his own way, free from the pressure of his famous surname.
Beyond the Algeria-Nigeria showdown, the AFCON quarter-finals promise plenty of drama, with seven former champions still in the race and all eight teams ranked among Africa’s top 10.
Mali vs Senegal
Mali are the only quarter-finalists yet to win the AFCON title. They reached this stage without a single win, drawing all three group matches before edging Tunisia on penalties in the last 16. Coach Tom Saintfiet hailed his players as “national heroes,” especially after battling Tunisia with 10 men for most of the match.
Senegal, meanwhile, welcome back captain Kalidou Koulibaly from suspension. With experienced stars like Edouard Mendy, Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane, the Teranga Lions also boast youthful energy in 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who scored off the bench against Sudan.
Cameroon vs Morocco
Cameroon carry historical confidence against hosts Morocco, having never lost to them at the AFCON and famously beating them in the 1988 semi-finals on Moroccan soil. However, the Atlas Lions, tournament favourites, look formidable.
Achraf Hakimi is fit again, while Brahim Diaz has scored in all four of Morocco’s matches, making them a major threat despite Cameroon’s past dominance.
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Algeria vs Nigeria
Algeria have often troubled Nigeria at the AFCON, winning four and drawing two of their nine previous meetings, including a memorable 5-1 win in 1990. Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Desert Foxes have bounced back strongly after recent group-stage exits.
Nigeria, however, boast the most potent attack in the tournament, with Osimhen, Lookman and Akor Adams leading the charge. Coach Eric Chelle will, however, be concerned by his team’s defensive record, having conceded four goals — the highest among the remaining contenders.
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast are the first defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since 2010, but history is not on their side against Egypt, having won just once in 11 AFCON meetings.
Still, a dominant 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, inspired by Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, has raised confidence. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, needed extra time to overcome Benin, with Salah netting the decisive goal deep into the match.
After conquering club football in England and Europe, Salah is eager to finally lift the AFCON trophy after finishing runner-up twice.
As the quarter-finals kick off, Africa’s biggest football stage is set for anotherdrama.h of high-stakes drama.
