Who is Emmanuel Fernandez? Rangers defender earns first Nigerian call-up
Emmanuel Fernandez (born July 17, 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays defender for Rangers. Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has been called up to Nigeria for the first time after impressing at club level.
The 24-year-old, who signed from Peterborough on a four-year contract last summer, has been an integral part of Danny Rohl’s side as the Ibrox club has clawed its way back into Scottish Premiership title contention.
Fernandez has excelled both defensively and at set-pieces, scoring six goals in 26 games. He could team up with former Rangers defender Calvin Bassey for Nigeria’s forthcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
Nigeria failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, but advanced to the semi-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, winger Rabbi Matondo, who has been out of the picture at Rangers for most of the season, has returned to the Wales team for the World Cup playoffs.
Craig Bellamy’s team will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff on March 26, with the winners hosting Italy or Northern Ireland in the final five days later.
Who is Emmanuel Fernandez?
Emmanuel Oluwasegun Opeyemi Fernandez was born in London and is eligible to represent Nigeria. He wears the number 37 in remembrance of his brother, who died at the age of 37. He is the youngest of eight children.
Fernandez began his career with Brentford and Gillingham, where he spent time on loan at Sheppey United and Margate. After being released by Gillingham, he played for Ramsgate.
Fernandez signed a two-year deal with Peterborough United in July 2021. He made his debut on April 2, 2022, as a “surprise” selection in a 4-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough. Fernandez went on loan to Spalding United in November 2021, where he appeared once.
In March 2023, he signed on loan with Barnet until the conclusion of the season. Fernandez joined Rangers of the Scottish Premiership in July 2025 for an unknown price.
Fernandez scored his first league goal for Rangers on November 22, 2025, in a 2-1 Scottish Premiership win over Livingston. Fernandez was subjected to racist online harassment after a match in February 2026.