Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi saw red while playing for his country in a friendly on the back of a bizarre reaction to a tackle.
The former Arsenal man has enjoyed a successful season with the London club, having made 29 appearances in all competitions for his side in a year that has seen him become a key part of Marco Silva’s set-up.
He also spent some time at the Africa Cup of Nations over the Christmas period, and helped Nigeria to a third-place finish as they beat Egypt on penalties in the bronze medal match.
This week, however, he had a day to forget in his side’s friendly against Jordan when he was sent off in the second-half after coming on as a substitute on the hour mark.
With the score at 2-2 and into stoppage time, Iwobi saw red in more ways than one when he took exception to a pull back and jumped on his opponent.
Attempting to break, the Fulham man was pulled back by Jordan captain Amer Jamous in an obvious professional foul – but didn’t see the funny side of things.
Alex Iwobi was sent off in a friendly while playing for Nigeria after a furious reaction to a tackle
The Fulham midfielder has enjoyed a successful season at club level but let his frustrations get the better of him
When the referee had barely blown his whistle, Iwobi turned and jumped on his opponent, leaping off of the ground and landing on top of him.
His actions triggered a mass brawl, with players from both sides, including the substitutes, involved in a pushing match.
When things had calmed down, Iwobi was given his marching orders in what was a sour end to the game.
Fans were left stunned by his actions, with one writing on social media: ‘First time I’ll see Alex this way. The guy must have done it several times.’
Another wrote: ‘Wait I can’t believe it’s real.’
Iwobi’s side have missed out on qualification for the World Cup, and were limited to friendlies over the current international break.
In what was a major shock, they lost on penalties to DR Congo in the play-offs of the African qualification bracket in a game that saw both teams sanctioned for disciplinary issues.
Nigeria’s other game of the international break saw them beat Iran 2-1 on Friday.
