Fast-rising Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is eager to impress after recently receiving his maiden invitation to the Nigeria national team from Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekhou Chelle, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez, who was eligible to represent both England and Nigeria recently opted to pledge his international allegiance to the three time African champions and the Super Eagles hierarchy wasted little time in calling up the 24-year-old ahead of upcoming fixtures against Iran and Jordan.
After being named in the latest Super Eagles squad by head coach Chelle, an excited Fernandez disclosed that when the NFF initially reached out to him about pledging his allegiance, it was impossible for him to turn down the opportunity to represent Nigeria’s senior national team at the international level.
“When the call came in from Nigeria, I couldn’t say no,” the Rangers star said in a recent interview with Rangers Review.
“There was no way I would turn down a chance to play for a great football nation like Nigeria. The idea is to go in there and try and make my mark.”
Fernandez will be hoping for an opportunity to make his first appearance in the Nigeria national team colours when the Super Eagles take on Iran in the first of their two friendly fixtures slated for the March international break.
The Rangers defender’s qualities is a welcome addition to Eric Chelle’s back line is a welcome boost, especially following the recent retirement of former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong.
