Nigeria’s push for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi finals will rest heavily on the firepower of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman when the Super Eagles face Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final in Morocco.
Both forwards have been central to Nigeria’s impressive run, scoring three goals each as the Super Eagles sit top of the tournament scoring chart with 12 goals. Their next task is to breach the defence marshalled by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the only first choice shot stopper left in the competition yet to concede a goal.
Zidane has kept clean sheets against Sudan, Burkina Faso and DR Congo, emerging as a key figure in Algeria’s revival under coach Vladimir Petkovic. Born in France and son of football icon Zinedine Zidane, the 27 year old has quickly settled into international football after choosing to represent Algeria.
Nigeria’s coaching crew is confident the attacking trio of Osimhen, Lookman and Akor Adams can stretch Algeria’s back line, despite concerns over the Super Eagles’ own defence, which has conceded four goals so far.
Algeria arrive buoyed by renewed confidence after edging DR Congo in extra time, while Nigeria enter the tie with momentum following a commanding run through the knockout stage.
Saturday’s clash in Marrakesh also carries historical weight, with Algeria holding the upper hand in past AFCON meetings. For Nigeria, breaking Zidane’s resistance could be the key to keeping alive hopes of a fourth continental title.
