Fernandez: Super Eagles star shines as Rangers hit 30-year record in 9-goal thriller vs Falkirk

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez played a key role as Rangers produced a thrilling comeback to beat Falkirk 6-3 in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Still reveling in his recent international breakthrough with Nigeria, Fernandez returned to the Gers’ starting line-up and completed the full 90 minutes. While the scoreline suggests a difficult day for the defence, his performance in the heart of the backline helped steady the team after a chaotic opening.

Falkirk started fast and punished the visitors early. In the sixth minute, Ben Broggio gave the home side the lead, finishing from close range after a low cross from Calvin Miller. The pressure continued, and by the 26th minute, Finn Yeats doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from distance, leaving Rangers with a mountain to climb.

Fernandez and his defensive partners were tested during this spell, but the Nigerian stood firm. His aerial strength and composure on the ball helped the Gers regain control, especially as they began to grow into the game.

The turning point came just before half-time. Tochi Chukwuani pulled one back in the 42nd minute in controversial fashion. Falkirk players believed the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, but after a long check, the goal stood. It proved to be the spark Rangers needed.

Fernandez, who has already scored six goals this season thanks to his presence at set-pieces, was again a threat in attacking situations. He also recorded a high number of touches and completed most of his passes, helping Rangers build momentum as the match shifted.

Five-goal blitz seals famous Rangers win

Rangers came out for the second half with renewed energy, and within minutes, the game had completely turned. Youssef Chermiti equalised just two minutes after the restart, before Nicolas Raskin fired Rangers into the lead in the 52nd minute.

Manager Danny Röhl’s decision to bring on Bojan Miovski at half-time proved crucial. The striker made an instant impact, scoring with a volley in the 58th minute to make it 4-2 and stretch Rangers’ advantage.

Although Falkirk responded through a Calvin Miller penalty in the 70th minute, Rangers quickly regained control. Chermiti grabbed his second goal to restore a two-goal cushion, before Miovski sealed the win late on with a simple finish to make it 6-3.

Behind the attacking brilliance, Fernandez continued to do the defensive work that allowed Rangers to push forward. His positioning and passing were important in helping the team dominate possession, finishing the match with over 60 percent of the ball.

The victory was not just dramatic but historic. Rangers scored five goals in the second half of a top-flight match for the first time since August 1996, ending a 30-year wait for such a feat. It also marked their first league win at Falkirk’s ground after several unsuccessful visits.

The result has major implications in the title race. Rangers move to 69 points, just one behind leaders Hearts, with five games left to play.