- Manny Fernandez bagged his first goal for Nigeria last night
- The Nigerian fans have given their reaction to the Rangers ace
- Interest is only going to increase for defender as he continues to perform
Rangers defender Manny Fernandez capped off his first start for Nigeria with a goal against Jordan last night.
Manny Fernandez earned his first call-up to the national team squad for the latest friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
He came on as a sub against Iran before starting the game against Jordan.
His goal came on the stroke of half-time, when Bright Osayi-Samuel’s cross missed everybody and fell to Fernandez.
The defender composed himself, took a touch, and fired the ball past the Jordanian goalkeeper.
Fernandez has been one of the Rangers’ most impressive players this season, earning interest from big Premier League clubs.
The Gers defender has been a goal threat all season in Scotland, giving Nigerian fans a taste of the future.
Many fans wouldn’t have heard of Manny Fernandez before last week, but they certainly know now that they’ve got a serious player on their hands.
Reaction to Manny Fernandez performance
Many Nigerian fans had their say on Fernandez’s goal, as did journalists and scouts.
Scottish journalist Blair Malloy said, “Fernandez’s first goal for Nigeria. Big money this summer. Big. Money.”
FIFA-licensed football agent Adereti Adesoji said, “He’s been in great form this season, great addition to the Super Eagles.”
He added, “Getting Emmanuel Fernandez at 24 is a big plus.”
A fan added, “Emmanuel Fernandez, another goal-scoring defender on the team… we are too blessed with talent.”
Another said, “Next gem. Emmanuel Fernandez.”
The next one said, “Fernandez will succeed in the Super Eagles. We bagged a gem!”
A worthy step
Nigeria fans have got a taste of what Rangers fans have been witnessing all season at Ibrox.
Fernandez has been a defensive weapon, utilising his natural speed, strength, and tenacity to win the hearts of the Ibrox faithful.
He isn’t just a defender though, scoring six goals already in the Scottish Premiership, largely due to his menacing presence at set pieces.
For Gers fans, his natural step up to international football isn’t a shock; it’s been expected with the level he’s played at.
Playing more for the national team and performing superbly will only increase interest in the defender.
The Rangers’ ownership group has a choice.
Do they potentially cash in on a record sale for Fernandez, or do they try to keep him to build an even better squad?
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Fernandez has already established himself as one of the Rangers’ best players, so it’s no surprise that he’s taken that to international football.
If he continues to impress, big clubs from across Europe will be keeping tabs on the defender.
His continued good performances will only be beneficial as Rangers attempt to lift the SPFL Premiership trophy.
