Nigeria, March 30 -- The FA Cup quarter-finals delivered contrasting fortunes for Nigerian players on Saturday, with Nottingham Forest securing a dramatic semi-final berth while Fulham bowed out of the competition.

Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played crucial roles as Nottingham Forest edged past Brighton in a tense penalty shootout to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since the 1990-91 season.

The match ended goalless in regulation time, prompting a nerve-wracking spot-kick decider.

As Brighton pressed for a winner in extra time, substitute Diego Gomez's header was brilliantly saved by Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels, while Joao Pedro's effort was ruled out for offside.

When the game advanced to penalties, Forest found themselves in fam...