Emmanuel Fernandez has earned his first call-up to the Nigerian national team after a stellar second half to the season at Ibrox.
The 6’5 ” centre back has been a towering success in both boxes, earning a well-deserved breakthrough with the Super Eagles at senior international level.
For Gers fans, there’s a sense of déjà vu, as Fernandez is the latest Rangers defender, past or present, to earn a spot with the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of those before him.
Fulham and Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey was colossal in Scotland, becoming a real favourite, while Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers have also worn the green of Nigeria.
Bassey left Rangers in 2022, following a short spell of domestic and European success.
The thought of Fernandez and Bassey playing together at Ibrox may only be a dream, but for Nigeria, pairing them will soon become a reality.
Similarities between Bassey and Fernandez
Both Fernandez and Bassey arrived at Ibrox as relative unknowns from English football.
Bassey arrived from the Leicester City academy, while Fernandez joined for £3 million from Peterborough.
Both players came in with a point to prove, but possessed the same raw physicality and dominance in both boxes.
The Nigerian pairing had to go through some growing pains to become key starters in the Gers backline.
After appearing as a sporadic sub in Steven Gerrard’s title-winning team in 2021, Bassey was a mainstay the following year.
He was pivotal in helping the Gers win the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the club’s historic run to the Europa League final the same year.
As for Fernandez, he struggled in his initial months under Russell Martin, but under Danny Rohl, his form has transformed.
He’s become a lethal threat in the opposing box and a solid defender with all the attributes to go far in his career.
Let’s hope he can follow in Bassey’s steps and help the club win a trophy soon.
How Fernandez and Bassey would complement each other
Now, not every dream centre back pairing complements each other, but in this case, it certainly does.
Fernandez is a stronger right-footed player compared to Bassey, who plays considerably more on his left.
Bassey is a solid 1v1 defender and has the pace to recover from over-the-top balls.
Read Rangers analysis
In a back four, the pair could play on the halfway line in a game they are controlling, but can also sit in and defend for their lives if needed.
The duo could make a start together this month, with Nigeria facing Iran and Jordan in a four team tournament taking place in Antalya, Turkey, in a change from the original plan.
Amman, the Jordanian capital, was due to host the gathering but that has been changed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The games are not significant in terms of competitive football, but they could be the start of a new and exciting defensive pairing in Africa.
Though we won’t see it at Ibrox, the pair have contrasting strengths that will benefit each other.
Gers fans can tune into the first game between Nigeria and Iran on March 27.
