Rangers star who dumped England for Nigeria gets Chelle’s Super Eagles attention

Glasgow Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez could be set to earn his first Super Eagles call-up next month when Nigeria face Jordan and Iran in friendly games, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to trade tackles with Jordan and Iran in March as the two Asian nations prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And that could offer Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle the chance to introduce new players to the national team set-up. One of those stars on the fringe of international football is Emmanuel Fernandez.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is keeping a close eye on Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez as he plans for the Super Eagles’ international matches in March 2026.

👏 Emmanuel Fernandez has been voted Men’s Player of the Month for January, sponsored by @PipelineEnergyS.

🛡️ Rangers conceded just the solitary league goal last month and Fernandez’s displays at the heart of defence was a contributing factor. pic.twitter.com/hqYKeEjVm8

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 9, 2026

Fernandez, who was born in London, has become one of the bright new faces at Rangers after working his way into the starting team this season. Tall, strong and calm on the ball, the 24-year-old centre-back has impressed fans with his defending, and even chipped in with a few important goals.

Although Fernandez could have tried to play for England, he has chosen to commit his future to Nigeria. That decision has already caught the attention of Chelle and his scouting team.

For now, no official contact has been made with the defender. But reports suggest Super Eagles scouts are watching him closely in Scotland. If his good form continues, a first call-up could come very soon.

Chelle is known for rewarding players who are performing well at club level, especially those showing hunger and discipline. Fernandez fits that profile perfectly after fighting his way up from lower-league football in England to one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

🚨🇳🇬 Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has reportedly agreed to play for Nigeria and could be called up in the next international games. pic.twitter.com/7gdt3RX0Gs

— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) February 16, 2026

From tough beginnings to a possible Super Eagles dream

Fernandez’s journey has not been easy. He spent his early years moving between smaller clubs, often on loan, just to gain experience and game time. His big break came at Peterborough United, where he slowly developed into a reliable defender.

His move to Rangers in 2025 changed everything.

Since arriving in Glasgow, Fernandez has grown in confidence and quickly earned the trust of his coaches. His height makes him strong in the air, while his reading of the game helps him stop attacks before they become dangerous.

Now, he hopes to follow the same path as former Rangers stars Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo, who both made their Nigeria debuts while playing at Ibrox.

A call-up to the Nigeria national football team would be a proud moment for Fernandez, not just for his career, but for his family too. He famously wears the number 37 shirt in memory of his brother, who passed away at the age of 37.

If his rise continues, Nigeria may soon have another powerful defender ready to wear the green and white.