Posted by BBC Sports on
Nigeria edged out hosts Holland 10-9 in a thrilling penalty shoot out to clinch a semi-final spot at the World Youth Championship on Saturday.
Nigeria edged out hosts Holland 10-9 in a thrilling penalty shoot out to clinch a semi-final spot at the World Youth Championship on Saturday.
The victory means Nigeria will now face Morocco in the last four and guaranteeing an African team will be in the final.
The two sides were tied at 1-1 after extra time and in the penalty shoot out both sides missed two shots shot from their first eleven penalty attempts.
Liberia-born Collins John, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, missed the host nation's 12th kick, leaving Taye Taiwo to hit the winner.
Nigeria went ahead with the opening attack of the match, shocking the 20,000 watching fans, most of whom supported the Holland.
A flowing move set up David Abwo inside the penalty area, and his shot came off the post for John Owoeri to tap in the rebound in only the 24th second.
Nigeria was almost up 2-0 in the 37th minute when midfielder John Obe Mikel beat several defenders and sent Solomon Okoronkwo through the center with a clever pass, but the striker sent his shot just wide.
Holland started the second half as strongly as the Nigerians began the first, making it 1-1 in the first minute.
Central defender Ron Vlaar scored off a cross from winger Quincy Owusu Abeyie, whose parents are from Ghana.
Nigeria's David Abwo and Owoeri both hit the post, while Ambruse Vanzekin saved a 25-meter (yard) shot from Dutch substitute Gianni Zuiverloon.
The Flying Eagles will meet Morocco in their semi-final on Tuesday.