ALEX IWOBI was given his marching orders just five minutes after coming on as a sub in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations defeat by Tunisia.
The Everton star saw red after a shocking tackle left Tunisian goalscorer Youssef Msakni writhing in pain on the deck.
Alex Iwobi was sent off for this challenge on Tunisia’s Youssef Msakni
Referee Maguette N’Diaye initially showed a yellow before pulling out a red
Iwobi had been introduced on the hour mark as the Super Eagles went in search of an equaliser after Msakni’s opener just after half-time.
And the 25-year-old appeared to take a heavy touch after receiving a pass from Leicester man Wilfred Ndidi.
Iwobi then stepped across his opponent to shield the ball, but made contact with Msakni’s shin in the process.
It was no doubt a nasty challenge but at first glance there appeared little malice and referee Maguette N’Diaye initially dished out a yellow.
But VAR replays suggested the incident may have been worthy of a dismissal – and N’Diaye agreed after going to the monitor.
Iwobi was open-mouthed as the ref produced a red card from his pocket to leave Nigeria with 10 men.
Msakni’s goal proved enough to seal victory for Tunisia and send them through to the Afcon quarter-finals.
Nigeria had been one of the pre-tournament favourites and made light work of their group to reach the last-16.
But Augustine Eguavoen’s men struggled to break down Tunisia – nicknamed the Eagles of Carthage – at Roumde Adjia Stadium.
Ex-Rangers striker Umar Sadiq missed a golden chance to bag an equaliser with minutes remaining as Nigeria crashed out.
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