Emmanuel Fernandez has expressed delight after making his debut for the Super Eagles in the 2-1 win over Iran in Friday’s friendly match.
The Rangers defender was born in London, but was also eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.
The 24-year-old was handed his first call-up when Eric Chelle named his 23-man squad for the friendlies against Iran and Jordan, before he made his debut after coming on as a second half substitute in the dominant win for Nigeria.
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Fernandez was one of two Super Eagles players to make their international debut, alongside Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, who was his centre-back pairing in the second half.
He enjoyed a solid display in defence and will be optimistic of more superb performances in the green and white colours of Nigeria.
Fernandez reacts to Super Eagles debut
Fernandez, who came on for the well-experienced Semi Ajayi in the second half of Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Iran, felt proud to finally wear the green and white jersey of his national team.
“It’s my home nation, it’s where my family is from, it’s where I am from”, Fernandez said.
It’s something that I have always wanted to happen. People probably thought I couldn’t have got there. And I always had faith in myself that I would get there.
“I know my family are proud. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I can’t want for it to happen,” he added.
The 24-year-old also reflected on his transfer to Rangers last summer, where he has enjoyed a solid season so far, helping the club in their bid to win the Scottish league title.
“May 2025, I think. I was like, ‘Is there interest?’, because you never know until you know, and then some things take longer than expected”, Fernandez added.
“Some things I say that are going to happen, and they never happen. So, when I heard about it, I was excited, and I wanted it to happen, because of the size of Rangers and the club, you can’t really say no.
“Once I heard about that, I was excited about it”, he concluded.
Fernandez will be in contention to start for Nigeria in their next match against Jordan on Tuesday.
