The legendary Zinedine Zidane was left heartbroken in Marrakech on Saturday, January 12, 2026, but not by a fellow Frenchman. The source of his dismay was the Nigerian Super Eagles, whose dynamic duo, Victor Osimhen and Adams Akor, dismantled his son's team and ended a proud personal record.
Zidane's Son Meets His Match in Osimhen and Akor
Algeria's goalkeeper, Lucas Zidane, son of the French World Cup icon, had entered the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash with an impeccable defensive record. He had not conceded a single goal in the tournament up to that point. However, facing what is arguably Africa's most lethal strike force, his clean sheet was shattered in dramatic fashion.
First, it was Victor Osimhen who rose spectacularly high to power a header into the net. Lucas, despite spreading himself wide, was left grasping at air, unable to comprehend the striker's aerial prowess. The second blow came from Adams Akor, who displayed sublime skill to round the stranded goalkeeper with a clever swerve and slot the ball home, sealing a 2-0 victory for Nigeria.
Algerian Boasts Fall Flat in Marrakech
The result was a bitter pill for the Algerians, who had been confident of repeating their 2019 AFCON semifinal triumph over Nigeria. Led by star forward Riyad Mahrez, they had vowed to send the Super Eagles packing early. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, the Desert Foxes failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match in Marrakech.
The frustration boiled over at the final whistle, with several Algerian players and officials confronting the match officials. They protested a potential handball by Nigeria's Semi Ajayi in the box, claiming referee Issa Sy denied them a clear penalty. Despite the contentious moments, the overall dominance of the Nigerian side was undeniable.
Petković Admits Superiority of Super Eagles
Algeria's coach, Vladimir Petković, chose pragmatism over protest in his post-match analysis. The Bosnian tactician openly conceded that the better team had won on the day. "Congratulations to Nigeria, they were better than us," Petković stated. He acknowledged his team's disjointed first-half performance and credited Nigeria's defensive strength, which prevented Algerian players from dribbling effectively.
While he hinted at some difficult refereeing decisions, Petković emphasized the primary reason for the loss: "Our opponent was particularly strong and showed their quality." This admission stood in stark contrast to the angry scenes from his team's camp, highlighting Nigeria's commanding performance.
Beyond the victory, the match was also a poignant moment for African football identity. Lucas Zidane's choice to represent Algeria, his father's nation of origin, over World Champions France, has been celebrated across the continent. Even in defeat, his journey symbolizes a deep connection to African football, a sentiment that resonates with many fans despite the heartbreak delivered by Osimhen and Akor.
