Nigerian defender Emmanuel Fernandez has revealed that he wears the No. 37 jersey in honour of his late brother, who passed away at the age of 37.
The 24-year-old London-born defender received his maiden call-up by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and made his debut in the 2-1 win over Iran on Friday, coming on as a second half substitute.
Fernandez has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign so far with Scottish club Rangers this season after joining them last summer and has scored six goals across all competitions to help them in their bid to reclaim the league title.
Related: Emmanuel Fernandez reflects on Super Eagles debut
The former Brentford defender enjoyed a solid debut performance, helping Nigeria claim a hard-fought 2-1 win over their Asian counterparts on Friday.
Fernandez opens up on number ‘37’ shirt
Speaking after the Super Eagles’ win over Iran, Fernandez explained the reason behind wearing the No. 37 jersey, revealing that he dedicates it to his late brother.
“My brother passed away at 37, so it’s like the only way to do things for him. Obviously, the age gap was over 15 years, so, as I was growing up, he was having his children and going to the University”, Fernandez revealed.
“He studied Engineering, and had three children. It’s tough, you know, because I feel like I want to be there for him, do a lot for him and his family, but it’s upsetting to lose someone like that; it’s hard on the family.
It’s why I wear his number. He had a good, charismatic energy and always tried to help whenever anyone needed something.
“Every Christmas, everyone got a present, even if it was something little. I’m grateful for him. Some things in life are more important than others”, he continued.
“Staying and being around family, important moments. Obviously, there’s my mum who will take it harder because she’s losing her son, but I just try to share as many moments because anything can happen.
“When he passed, I played a game a few days later, and now everything I do on the pitch is for him. It makes me want to fight to see how far I can go,” the Rangers defender concluded.
Fernandez will now hope to make his first start in the green and white colours of the Super Eagles, when they face Jordan in their second friendly match on Tuesday.
