Nigerian media react as Emmanuel Fernandez at heart of 'remarkable' scenes away from Rangers
Rangers star Emmanuel Fernandez had a mixed game as Nigeria drew 3-3 with Russia.
He was involved from the start as Eric Chelle's experimented with his side on Tuesday, making nine changes.
Former Celtic man Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles the lead in the friendly at the Sovcombank Arena.
The hosts responded with three unanswered strikes, but that was not the end of proceedings.
Peter Edokpolor got one back in the 78th minute and Akor Adams notched a 94th minute leveller in thrilling scenes.
The media in his homeland had differing opinions on the Light Blues star's performance, with some praise and some negative reaction.
How did Emmanuel Fernandez perform in Russia draw?
Fernandez was part of the defence that conceded three times, but he also helped out in attack when it mattered most.
The Sun Nigeria highlighted the latter, saying: "At 90+4 minutes, Fernandez launched a counter-attack before Abdullahi provided the assist for Adams, who kept his composure to finish and make it Russia 3-3 Nigeria.
"The result saw Nigeria complete a remarkable late comeback after trailing 3-1, with Adams’ stoppage-time strike denying Russia victory."
Soccernet.ng were positive about Fernandez's defending, but not the team's as a whole.
They said: "There were encouraging moments from Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez and Abdullahi Bewene, but Russia repeatedly found avenues through Nigeria’s defensive shape."
Sports 247 Nigeria were more critical of Fernandez's defending, saying: "Russia’s third goal of the night came after more confusion in the heart of the Eagles’ defence, featuring Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, as Alexey Miranchuk pounced on a deflected shot to slam home beyond James."
Overall, it seems like a solid if not spectacular showing, and Derek McInnes can still take positives.
Why McInnes can still be positive about Fernandez
Fernandez has emerged as one of the Gers' best players after a tough start to the campaign, in which he struggled and made a few mistakes.
He has been brilliant in recent weeks, forming a great partnership with South African Olwethu Makhanya in the heart of the backline.
McInnes only has to look at how Fernandez played a part in the third goal as he was the one who started the counter that led to the equaliser for encouragement.
Even when he may not be having his best game, the 25-year-old is still capable of making things happen and having the required impact on the game.
The Bears will hope that he continues in his current vein of form and is not hampered by how the international break has gone, because it has been tough for the four-cap ace given Nigeria's struggles.
If he can return to Auchenhowie and get back to his usual self, then it will all systems go as the Gers push on and try to seal the Scottish Premiership title ahead of arch-rivals Celtic.