Emmanuel Fernandez’s words after claiming SPFL Team of the Year spot

Super Eagles and Rangers defender has revealed how much it means to him to have been recognised in the 2025/2026 SPFL Team of the Season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old only joined the Gers last summer from Sky Bet League One side Peterborough United for 3.5 million pounds, but has made himself a fan favourite at Ibrox.

The Super Eagles' new boy was joined in the Team of the season by Calum Ward (Motherwell), Paul McGinn (Motherwell), Craig Halkett (Hearts), Harry Milne (Hearts), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Elliot Watt (Motherwell), Elijah Just (Motherwell), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Claudio Braga (Hearts).

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Emmanuel Fernandez delighted with SPFL TOTY spot

The newest Super Eagles superstar revealed that an inclusion in the team of the season wasn't something he expected to happen in his first-ever top-flight season.

“It was a bit of a shock to be in the Team of the Year as I started playing a bit later in the season,” the former Brentford man said as revealed by Rangers' official website.

To be named in it, I am so grateful to my teammates and the staff, as well as the other players in the league for voting for me.

“I didn’t expect it but to do it in my first season here, to get that recognition is a moment I won’t forget.

“Spain [the pre-season training] was one of the best things we have done.

“I spoke to players I maybe didn’t speak to as much before the trip. It was good for team bonding and it was nice to play in the heat – you don’t get much of that here.

“We all enjoyed it,” Fernandez concluded.

Fernandez's season with Rangers could get even better if they usurp Hearts in the race for the SPFL title at the end of the season.