The Norwich City striker faced a delay after a VAR check and had the added pressure of an intense Dutch following, but confidently sent goalkeeper Mark Flekken the wrong way to score just his second international goal.
Idah has faced questions over his form at domestic and international level but has started the new campaign brightly – with this goal being his third for club and country this term.
It may have turned into a tough night for Ireland – but Idah was pleased to take his opportunity early in the contest.
“It’s obviously quite nerve-wracking but at the end of the day that is my job to try and score goals,” Idah told RTE Soccer.
“I’ve taken loads of penalties in my career and I was quite confident taking it. I wanted to take it. Fortunately enough, I scored.
“I probably should have shot (for the chance before the penalty) but I saw Chiedo (Ogbene) in front of me and he had the better angle on the goal. The first one we got the penalty from and I’m delighted with that.”
After the defeat, the Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualification for next summer’s Euros are all but over, barring a potential play-off route through Nations League success.
Attentions have turned to boss Stephen Kenny’s future who is finding himself under increasing pressure after failing to progress the international side.
Kenny has shown a lot of faith in Idah and his development – and the City striker stood by his under-pressure international boss after the game.
“The manager and his staff have been great to us. It’s on us as players because we are the ones playing the game and the ones that need to take a bit of responsibility.
“We’ve got a whole new style of football and it’s up to us to get results,” Idah said. “Everyone is gutted in there and it is disappointing, especially how we started the game off. The early goal was great and it’s gutting that the goal in the second half killed the game for us.
“Not being able to qualify out of the group is hard but we still have a chance in the play-offs and that is something we have to push for.”
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