Emmanuel Fernandez in action for Nigeria, with Ibrox in the background

Emmanuel FernandezBreaking Media

Why Emmanuel Fernandez's 'dream' must wait after scenes away from Rangers

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Published on:

30 Sep 2026, 6:10 am

Emmanuel Fernandez may have been made to wait for his Nigeria "dream", but Rangers boss Derek McInnes will not be complaining.

The centre-back was called up by his national side for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Madagascar and Guinea Bissau, as well as a friendly with Russia.

Fernandez had made three appearances for Nigeria prior to this window.

However, he has so far been unable to add to those having been an unused substitute in the first two of those fixtures.

The Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 last week and then lost 3-0 away at Guinea Bissau on Tuesday evening.

It means a recent "dream" admission made by Fernandez will have to wait at least another month or so.

What did Emmanuel Fernandez say about Nigeria call-up?

London-born Fernandez was understandably proud to once again get the nod for Nigeria.

The 25-year-old made his debut in March, but all three of his appearances have come in friendlies.

Speaking earlier this month, Fernandez said he was excited about the prospect of representing Nigeria competitively.

He added: "It is something I have been waiting for my whole career. It will be an ecstatic feeling because I have never played in Nigeria. It is something I have always wanted to do."

With the Russia match being played away from home, he is now going to have to wait.

Emmanuel Fernandez reacts as Rangers exit sealed three weeks after window shut

Why isn't Fernandez getting into Nigeria XI?

Fernandez has been superb for Rangers of late, forming a strong partnership with Olwethu Makhanya at the back.

There is even talk of Fernandez making Rangers a massive profit when he is sold on.

He was hailed as a "role model" by former Gers boss Danny Rohl for the way he stepped up from a third-tier club in England.

However, right now Nigeria boss Eric Chelle is going with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey - another player Rangers fans know well - at centre-back.

After shipping three goals to Guinea Bissau, that could well change going forward.

For now, Fernandez must bide his time and wait for that competitive appearance to arrive, possibly as soon as November.

Calvin Bassey Ughelumba

Derek McInnes

Rangers Football Club

Emmanuel Fernandez

Danny Rohl