Super Eagles: Ex-Rangers star takes swipe at Emmanuel Fernandez after costly Falkirk errors

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has again come under scrutiny after Alejandro Bedoya took a swipe at the three-cap Nigerian following his difficult outing against Falkirk, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fernandez started alongside new signing Olwethu Makhanya as Rangers secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Falkirk Stadium on Wednesday night.

Lawrence Shankland was the hero for Derek McInnes’ side, scoring both goals to earn Rangers their second consecutive Scottish Premiership victory.

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However, the result did little to hide another unconvincing defensive display from the visitors, with Fernandez involved in two moments that could have cost Rangers dearly.

The Nigeria international was caught out of position in the build-up to Falkirk's equaliser before later making another costly error after the break.

Bedoya, who spent the 2011-12 season at Rangers, appeared to reference Fernandez when responding to Makhanya's Instagram post after the game.

Bedoya suggests Makhanya needs a new defensive partner

Makhanya, who joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union, posted a picture celebrating the victory after helping his new club survive a difficult second half.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olwethu Makhanya (@makhanya_29)

Bedoya, who is a long-serving figure at Philadelphia Union and knows Makhanya from their time together at the MLS club, replied: “Played well, bro! Congrats. Think you need a new partner next to you.”

The comment appeared to be a subtle reference to Fernandez, who endured a night to forget at the back despite Rangers ultimately taking all three points.

Fernandez was involved in the build-up to Falkirk's equaliser after being caught out of position during a home attack.

The defender went to ground looking for a foul, but play continued, with Ethan Ross eventually delivering the cross that resulted in Kosta Nedeljkovic turning the ball into his own net.

The Nigerian was then fortunate not to be punished for an even bigger mistake in the second half.

Fernandez attempted to play a pass across his own penalty area, only for Falkirk striker Jacob Murrell to intercept the ball and find himself with a clear opportunity to put the hosts ahead.

Ivor Pandur rescued Rangers with an important save, denying Murrell and keeping McInnes' side in the game.

Super Eagles: Emmanuel Fernandez faces Rangers pressure

While Bedoya's comment was made in a light-hearted manner, it comes at a time when Fernandez's form is beginning to attract scrutiny.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was also critical of the defender's performance, highlighting his role in the sequence that led to Falkirk's equaliser as well as the second-half mistake that almost gifted Murrell a goal.

Fernandez has established himself as an important member of the Rangers squad since joining from Peterborough United and has also broken into the Nigeria setup.

The London-born defender received his first Super Eagles call-up in March 2026 and made his international debut in Nigeria's 2-1 friendly win over Iran before scoring in the 2-2 draw against Jordan four days later.

His form this season has been worrying. Coach Derek McInnes has warned the 25-year-old against overcomplicating things at the back, while former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands described Fernandez's display this season as sloppy.

With the transfer window now closed, the three-cap Super Eagles star must improve and regain the trust of the fans who made him feel so loved last season by improving his defending first and keeping things simple second.

Anything outside of that, Ben Godfrey might be reinstated into the starting lineup upon his return from injury, and Fernandez might be forced out in the January transfer window.