Nigeria’s march through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been impressive, controlled and ruthless but a former international insists mistakes must be avoided against the Desert Warriors
Former Roda JC midfielder Garba Lawal says the Super Eagles must combine confidence with caution as they prepare to face Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final in Marrakesh, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria arrive in the last eight with a perfect record: victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2) and Uganda (3-1) in the group stage were followed by a commanding 4-0 win against Mozambique in the round of 16.
Algeria, however, have been just as efficient, needing extra time to edge past DR Congo and extending their own winning run at the tournament.
Lawal, a three-time AFCON bronze medallist with Nigeria, believes the contest will be decided by the smallest details.
“Nigeria have looked organised, disciplined and mentally strong,” the former Santa Clara ace told the Punch.
“But at this stage, one individual mistake can change everything. The team must stay focused because every opponent left in the competition has quality.”
There is also recent history between the two sides. Algeria broke Nigerian hearts in the 2019 semi-final with a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick on their way to the title.
For Nigeria, the wider ambition remains a fourth continental crown, adding to triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013. There is also the small matter of extending their long-standing record as the most consistent medal winners in AFCON history.
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Nigeria's Osimhen and Lookman target Zidane's impressive clean sheet record
Beyond the tactical battle lies a compelling individual storyline: Nigeria’s in-form forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman against Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
Osimhen and Lookman have three goals each in Morocco and have led a sharp, direct Nigerian attack.
The duo are the sharpest forwards in Morocco, accounting for half of the Super Eagles' record-equalling 12 goals.
While Nigeria boast the best attack in Morocco, Algeria have the meanest defence, shipping one goal in four games. That impressive streak has been significantly boosted by the talents of Zidane, the only first-choice goalkeeper at the quarter-final stage yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
The 27-year-old, son of former France and Real Madrid great Zinedine Zidane, kept clean sheets against Sudan and Burkina Faso in the group stage and returned to the side to help Algeria eliminate DR Congo in extra time.
In the name, a legacy honoured.
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 8, 2026
Luca Zidane’s #TotalEnergiesAFCON debut means far more than meets the eye. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @EU_Partnerships pic.twitter.com/aKZdN3YfjV
His famous father and family have been present in the stands, but Luca insists he is building his own career.
“I try to be myself and grow step by step,” he said recently. “I am proud to represent Algeria.”
Born in France and eligible for three countries, Zidane chose Algeria and made his debut in World Cup qualifying last year.
Now he faces his toughest test yet, with Lookman and Osimhen looking unstoppable at the moment.
