Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Josh Challies

Everton's Alex Iwobi sent off at African Cup of Nations seven minutes after coming on

Alex Iwobi had an evening to forget for Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations, with a six-minute cameo before being sent off.

The Super Eagles were among the favourites for the tournament in Cameroon but suffered a premature exit at the hands of Tunisia in the first knockout round.

Shortly after the interval, Youssef Msakni opened the scoring for the underdogs and that set the tune for the remainder of the match.

Everton's Iwobi was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 59th minute but received his marching orders in the 66th minute - following a significant VAR delay.

PHIL KIRKBRIDE: 'Big Dunc shown Everton reality amid fan protests and Kenwright confrontation'

DUNCAN FERGUSON: Everton caretaker boss sends message to fans who protested after Villa loss

The winger studded his opponent when turning in midfield, which led the referee to brandish a yellow card - but the Video Assisant Referee then intervened.

With the incident happening in the 63rd minute, a lengthy break then occurred as the challenge was reviewed - eventually leading the referee to change his decision.

That meant that, while the timings had Iwobi's brief cameo at seven minutes, the reality is that he was in the action for just four and a half.

With Tunisia holding on to their lead, it all culminated in a premature exit for Nigeria and Iwobi will now be set for an earlier return than anticipated to Everton.

He'll come back to a squad set for significant changes following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, with Everton languishing above the relegation zone.

A significant improvement will be needed from the former Arsenal man back at Goodison Park, with just three Premier League goals in 68 appearances following his £28m move in 2019.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.