“Good addition” – Ex-Strasbourg forward on Emmanuel Fernandez’s Super Eagles call-up

Former Nigeria and Strasbourg winger Simon Terwase Zenke has labelled Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez as a ‘good addition’ to the Super Eagles squad, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old defender has had a standout season in the SPFL, scoring six goals in 26 games across all competitions for the Gers.

His brilliant display caught the eye of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, and he’ll get the opportunity to announce himself on the World stage during the March International break.

Emmanuel Fernandez: Zenke delighted with youngster’s Super Eagles call-up

Zenke played for teams like Strasbourg, Nancy, Dinamo Bucharest and Samsunspor, but surprisingly, never played a game in the green and white colours of Nigeria.

Still, he mentioned he’d been personally watching Fernandez for a while, and he’s sure the centre-back will fit right at home with the Nigerian National team.

“He will be a great asset to the Super Eagles due to his impressive performances and defensive skills demonstrated throughout the season,” Zenke said in quotes revealed by Glasgow Times.

“I first heard about him a couple of months ago when it was rumoured that Eric Chelle was looking to bring him in.”

“Since then, I have been monitoring his progress closely.

“He is a very good player, no doubt, even though I think this is his first major season with a consistent run of games in the top flight.

“Fernandez is strong in the air, has great pace for a defender and can tackle effectively – something that seems to be gradually disappearing in the modern game.

“He is also versatile, although he plays primarily as a central defender.

“I believe he will be a really good addition to the team,” the 37-year-old concluded.

Fernandez will be hoping to get into action when Nigeria feature in the four-nation tournament later this month in Turkey, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica.