Emmanuel Fernandez: 3 ways Super Eagles defender can improve Rangers form

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has endured a difficult start to the 2026-27 season at Scottish giants Rangers, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at Ibrox last season after joining the club, becoming an important player for Rangers and finishing the season as their Men’s Player of the Season.

Fernandez’s impressive performances also earned him a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, showing just how important he was to Rangers during the campaign.

His club form also helped him earn his first Super Eagles call-up. Fernandez made his Nigeria debut in March, coming off the bench in the 2-1 win over Italy. He then scored his first international goal a few days later in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Jordan, after he had earned his first start for the national team.

However, his transition into the new season has not been as smooth as he would have hoped. Fernandez has been singled out for criticism on several occasions this season, with his performances falling below the level he showed during his impressive first campaign at Rangers.

The centre-back has struggled to reproduce that consistency, but there are areas of his game he can work on to regain his best form and help Rangers as they look to improve their position going forward.

How Emmanuel Fernandez can improve Rangers form 

One area Fernandez needs to improve is his aerial dominance. Rangers’ opponents have regularly looked to test him with long balls this season, putting him under pressure in situations where he has not always looked completely comfortable.

For a centre-back, winning aerial battles is an important part of defending, especially when opponents try to bypass the midfield and play directly into the final third.

Fernandez needs to become stronger and more decisive when competing for those balls. He must also improve his positioning and winning more of those aerial duels would reduce the pressure on the rest of the defence.

The Super Eagles defender also needs to rediscover his composure when he has possession. The Nigerian defender is normally comfortable with the ball at his feet and has shown that he can play out from the back rather than simply clearing his lines whenever he is under pressure.

However, that composure has not been as consistent this season. There have been moments when he has appeared rushed when opponents press him, leading to hurried decisions and passes that put Rangers under unnecessary pressure.

Another area he needs to work on is his passing. Fernandez has the ability to help Rangers build attacks from defence, but his distribution has not always been as sharp as it was last season.

His passing needs to be more accurate and purposeful, especially when Rangers are trying to play through an opponent’s press. 

Emmanuel Fernandez will have another opportunity to improve his performances when Rangers face Celtic this weekend, with the club hoping to close the gap at the top of the table.

After a difficult start to the campaign, he will be aiming to return to the level which he showed last season, which earned him recognition across Europe.