Vincent Enyeama was cast as the hero as his heroics in a shoot-out victory over Zambia booked Nigeria a place in the African Cup of Nations semi-finals.
Super Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama saved Thomas Nyirenda's effort and then scored the winning kick himself.
Nigeria were reduced to 10-men in extra-time after Onyekachi Apam received his second yellow card.
James Chamanga had Zambia's best chance but he could not connect before half-time and Obafemi Martins shot over in the second minute of extra-time.
It handed Shaibu Amodu's team a place in the last four, where they will face fierce west African rivals Ghana
"I just thank god. It was a crazy game - a difficult one for us," said goalkeeper Enyeama after the game.
"They are a very good team - believe me, they have a great future."
The drama of the shootout was in stark contrast to game which dragged along from the first whistle. Had it not been for penalties, the two teams would surely have played all night.
Indeed, the most memorable development from the game may well be the emergence of Zambia's Emmanuel Mbola. The 16-year-old left-back put in a very strong performance which will certainly have caught the eye of some big clubs.
Nigeria were a shadow of their famously attacking selves - rarely penetrating the Zambian defence with any menace or even purpose. They didn't win a single corner until the 101st minute.
As the game headed to penalties, things went from bad to worse when Apam received his second yellow card.
But, by then, both teams seemed ready for spot-kicks anyway - and Zambia didn't take advantage of having the extra man.
William Njovu and Martins both had chances to win the game late on, but were let down by poor finishing leaving the game to be decided by penalties.
Mikel, Martins, Obinna, Peter Odemwingie and Enyeama all scored for their side, but despite Noah Chivuta, Katongo, Mayuka and Mweene netting for Zambia, Nyrienda missed the crucial fourth kick when Enyeama made an impressive stop to his right.
The Hapoel Tel Aviv goalkeeper then stepped up to score the goal and kill off the brave southern Africans.
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