“A lot of pressure” – Fernandez describes Rangers form, names 3 Nigerian idols

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has opened up about the pressure of playing for Rangers while revealing the three Nigerian football legends he admired growing up, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fernandez has experienced contrasting fortunes since joining the Scottish giants from Peterborough United in 2025.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an outstanding first season at Ibrox, earning Rangers’ Men’s Player of the Season award after establishing himself as a key figure in the defence.

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He was also voted into the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year as his performances earned him international recognition with Nigeria.

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However, the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign proved considerably more difficult for the London-born defender.

Fernandez came under criticism following several unconvincing performances, including mistakes against Falkirk and St Mirren, while his decision-making and concentration were questioned during Rangers’ early-season struggles.

The Nigerian has since seen his fortunes improve alongside new defensive partner Olwethu Makhanya, with Rangers winning four consecutive matches while conceding just once before their Old Firm meetings with Celtic.

Fernandez: Rangers pressure can make me better

Fernandez acknowledged that playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs naturally brings a significant level of expectation, but believes those difficult moments can help him develop as a footballer.

“It’s a lot of pressure playing for a team like Glasgow Rangers, but it’s enjoyable,” Fernandez told Football Fans Tribe.

“I feel like there will be moments in the season where you’re under a bit of pressure, but that’s where you show how good you are, and that you can get through it, that’s how you get through it as a player.”

The defender has already demonstrated that ability to respond to pressure this season. After the criticism that followed Rangers’ opening weeks, the club improved defensively, with Fernandez and Makhanya developing a better understanding at centre-back.

Rangers defeated Celtic 3-0 in the Scottish League Cup before securing a 1-0 victory at Parkhead on September 20. Fernandez played the full 90 minutes in the latter victory.

The recent improvement comes after Fernandez admitted earlier in September that he needed to improve following criticism of his performances.

Emmanuel Fernandez reveals his three Nigerian idols

The defender's connection with Nigeria goes back to his childhood, with the defender revealing that the Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON triumph remains one of his earliest memories of following the national team.

“The AFCON 2013 victory. I celebrated it, and ever since then I’ve been waiting [for the call-up], and now I’m here; I hope we get one.”

Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the 2013 AFCON final in Johannesburg, with Sunday Mba scoring the decisive goal as the Super Eagles lifted the continental title for the third time.

Fernandez eventually received his first Nigeria call-up in March 2026, making his debut from the bench against Iran before starting and scoring in the 2-2 draw with Jordan.

The Rangers defender also revealed the three Nigerian players he looked up to while growing up.

“William Troost-Ekong, Joseph Yobo, and Alex’s Uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha,” he said.

“Of course, the style, the elegance and the things he does on the ball, everyone growing up wanted to be like that.

“Obviously, things change, and you end up not playing like that, even if that’s what you want to do,” the former Peterborough defender concluded.

Fernandez is now hoping to create his own chapter with the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepare to face Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.

The defender could make his competitive debut for Nigeria against the Barea, having already represented the country in friendlies earlier this year.