Osimhen and Lookman Set Sights on Algeria’s Unbeaten Luca Zidane in AFCON Quarter-Final Showdown

Nigeria’s prolific forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are gearing up to put Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to the ultimate test as both teams prepare for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash in Morocco.

Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Among all eight quarter-final goalkeepers, he is the only one who has maintained a perfect clean-sheet record in every match he has played. But the challenge before him in Marrakesh on Saturday is unlike any he has faced so far.

Osimhen and Lookman, both former African Player of the Year award winners, have been nothing short of electrifying throughout the competition. With three goals each, the duo has consistently unsettled opposing defences and will be aiming to break down Algeria’s last line of resistance.

Zidane, 27, enjoyed a clean run in the group stage, shutting out Sudan and Burkina Faso before being rested for the fixture against Equatorial Guinea. He returned between the sticks for the dramatic last-16 encounter with the Democratic Republic of Congo, once again emerging unbeaten after extra time.

Throughout the tournament, Luca has had strong support from the stands. His father, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, his Spanish mother, and one of his brothers have attended every match, cheering him on as he represents Algeria on the continental stage.

“It is special when your family come to watch,” Luca Zidane said. The goalkeeper, who launched his professional journey with Real Madrid B in 2016 and now plays for Granada in Spain’s Segunda División, has embraced the pressure and expectations that come with his surname.

Born in France, Zidane represented the country at multiple youth levels. Eligible to play for France, Spain, or Algeria—his grandparents’ homeland—he ultimately committed to the North African nation. He made his senior debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uganda last November and was elevated to first-choice status after an injury sidelined Alexis Guendoez.

“I am proud to represent Algeria and play in the Africa Cup of Nations. It is a great experience,” he added. Despite the attention surrounding his family’s legacy, he remains focused on carving his own path. “I try to be myself, to build my career on my terms, step by step.”

As the quarter-final approaches, all eyes will be on the Marrakesh showdown—where Nigeria’s attacking firepower meets Algeria’s resolute last line of defence, and where Luca Zidane’s flawless record faces its sternest examination yet.