Rangers playmaker Joe Aribo will be heading home from the Africa Cup of Nations and can face Celtic after Nigeria were knocked out by Tunisia in the last 16.
The Super Eagles No.10 tried to rally his side but they rarely threatened and in the end a Youssef Msakni long-range strike did the damage in a 1-0 defeat, helped by some suspect goalkeeping from Maduka Okoye.
Alex Iwobi's red card, given via the assistance of VAR just minutes after his introduction as a substitute, ensured there was no way back.
Augustine Eguavoen's side earned maximum points from their three group stage games against Sudan, Guinea-Bissau and Mohamed Salah's Egypt.
But they faltered in their first knockout clash despite president Muhammadu Buhari giving the players a morning pep talk via video link as they aimed to win their first AFCON in 2013.
Aribo will no doubt have been devastated at the early exit after the country rallied behind their national side.
But from an Ibrox point of view it could be a blessing in disguise as arguably the club's player of the year is set to return to Glasgow imminently.
He could make Wednesday night's clash at home to Livingston depending on travel arrangements.
But there's now no doubt he'll be available for next weekend's trip to Ross County in Dingwall and the cross-city journey to face Celtic on February 2.
Aribo could have been out of action until the final on February 6 but he's set to head home in the coming days.
It comes on the same evening Jamaica gave Rangers another boost as they allowed Kemar Roofe to stay home instead of travelling for CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.
