Emmanuel Fernandez's impressive Super Eagles debut has drawn praise from former Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa, who believes the Rangers centre-back's development in Scotland prepared him perfectly for the international stage.
The 24-year-old London-born defender made his Nigeria bow as a substitute in the 2-1 friendly win over Iran before starting and scoring in the 2-2 draw with Jordan in Antalya. His composed left-footed finish from a Bright Osayi-Samuel cross capped a breakthrough international window that has now put some of Europe's biggest clubs on alert.
Fernandez's rise from non-league football to one of Europe's most wanted centre-backs has been one of the stories of the season.
Oshaniwa Backs Fernandez to Become Key Super Eagles Figure
Speaking on Fernandez's debut performances, former Hearts defender Oshaniwa said the displays came as no surprise given the demands of Scottish football.
“His strong performance didn't surprise me because I know the Scottish league is very competitive. And playing in such an environment helped shape Fernandez into a player capable of handling international football,” Oshaniwa told Rangers Review.
“Being exposed to a physically demanding and tactically disciplined league makes him well-suited to the challenges of the Super Eagles set-up. He will be very important for the team.
“But we are still a work in progress and integrating new players like Fernandez is part of that process, bringing fresh energy and competition into the squad.”
The former Peterborough United man, signed by Rangers for just £3 million last summer, has registered six goals in all competitions this season and been instrumental in the club's Scottish Premiership title push. Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has suggested the Gers could command as much as £40 million for the defender.
Fernandez Attracts Interest From Arsenal, Chelsea and Bundesliga Giants
Fernandez's stock has soared well beyond Scotland following his international break heroics. Arsenal, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are all understood to be monitoring the defender's situation at Ibrox.
Rangers boss Danny Röhl is already planning for life after a potential Fernandez departure. The German coach is pushing to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles on a cut-price deal, with the 20-year-old Northern Ireland international entering the final year of his contract at a club that has been relegated from the Championship following an 18-point deduction.
If the Fernandez windfall materialises, Rangers will have both the funds and the ambition to reinvest — but Nigeria may have gained a defender capable of anchoring their backline for years to come.
