Zidane's Prodigy Stands Tall as Algeria Faces Nigeria's Storm
9 January 2026
Match Preview
Can Luka Zidane keep a clean sheet against Nigeria?
The Algeria squad braces for an unscripted battle as they face Nigeria on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in Morocco.
Luka Zidane, the Algerian keeper, will be tested by Nigeria's potent attack as he aims to keep a clean sheet in the tournament so far.
The youngster's resolve runs up against the full force of Nigeria's attack.
So far, Zidane has kept clean sheets against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Congo DR in AFCON.
In that win over Equatorial Guinea, Antony Mandrea starred in goal for the Desert Warriors, not Zidane.
Nigeria has already scored 12 goals in the tournament, eight in the group stage, and a 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16.
This quarterfinal could define both teams.
Punchline 1: If the ball is late, Zidane will have filed a report with the referee long before it arrives.
Punchline 2: Nigeria's attackers move so fast, even their shadows need a coffee break after sensing the pace.
What to Watch
The clash pits Zidane's defensive resolve against Nigeria's goal rush, with Morocco hosting a spectacle that could reshape the tournament's narrative for both nations.
