Algeria vs Nigeria: Lookman, Osimhen aim to break Zidane’s clean sheet record

Nigeria faces a stern test in their bid for a semi-final place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Algeria’s in-form goalkeeper Luca Zidane emerging as the major obstacle to the Super Eagles’ attacking ambitions in Sunday’s quarter-final in Marrakech.

Much of Nigeria’s hope rests on their two former African Players of the Year, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who have been among the most devastating forwards of the tournament.

Lookman, crowned in 2024, has lit up Morocco with three goals and four assists, including a commanding performance in the 4–0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique. Osimhen has matched his goal tally, continuing to serve as the focal point of Nigeria’s attack.

Yet breaking down Zidane has proven close to impossible at AFCON 2025, setting up a compelling battle between Nigeria’s firepower and Algeria’s defensive wall.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper produced another commanding display in the Round of 16, making two crucial saves to deny DR Congo before Algeria secured a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory.

Lucas Zidane made two crucial saves against DR Congo to help Algeria advance to the Quarterfinals.

He remains the only goalkeeper yet to concede at the ongoing AFCON keeping three clean sheets in three matches pic.twitter.com/puseJUhC4a

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) January 6, 2026

That performance extended Zidane’s remarkable tournament record, three clean sheets in three appearances, making him the only goalkeeper yet to concede a goal at this year’s AFCON.

Since switching his international allegiance to Algeria in September 2025, the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane has quickly announced himself on the African stage.

He kept clean sheets in group-stage wins over Sudan (3–0) and Burkina Faso (1–0) before being rested for the final group match, returning decisively for the knockout clash against DR Congo.

Zidane’s shot-stopping has been underlined by a tournament-leading save percentage, with several high-xG chances already denied, a worrying sign for even the most prolific forwards.

While Lookman’s dribbling, creativity and eye for goal, combined with Osimhen’s movement and predatory instincts, are capable of creating openings, patience and precision will be required to break down Algeria’s last line of defence.

For Nigeria, beating Zidane could unlock the path to another AFCON semi-final. For Algeria, his ice-cold performances have become the foundation of their campaign.