Burkina Faso technical director Vincenzo Alberto Annese has issued a warning to Algeria and their goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, describing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen as the most dangerous forward in the tournament.

One of the key battles on Saturday evening will see Osimhen go head-to-head with Desert Warriors goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane.

Formerly a France youth international, Zidane switched his allegiance to Algeria before the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

The Marseille native has started three of the four games contested by Algeria at Afcon 2025, posting three clean sheets.

The Super Eagles are the highest-scoring side at Afcon 2025, with 12 goals spread across seven players, while Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have combined to account for half of that tally.

Annese praised the Super Eagles' attacking strength, and believes they are the leading title contenders alongside Ivory Coast.

Speaking to Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport, Annese said said: "Nigeria has notable potential in attack, they are among the favorites along with the Ivory Coast, but I see them as more solid."

He reserved his highest praise for Osimhen, whom he considers the standout centre-forward in the competition.

"Then the Super Eagles have Osi, who for me is the strongest center forward in the tournament.  I had watched the World Cup qualifiers and when Osimhen leaves, Nigeria really changes face."

With 34 goals to his name, Osimhen is now three goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel