Super Eagles: 2 reasons Rangers made the right call by keeping Emmanuel Fernandez

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez is back, getting praise again at Rangers, but the situation could’ve been different after a long summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old was linked with a move away from Ibrox during the summer, with Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United among the clubs interested in the centre-back, but Rangers decided against selling the Nigerian international.

Former Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot believes that was the right decision.

“I think a big one was keeping big Fernandez, keeping him here. He looks like an unbelievable player,” Broadfoot said, as reported by The Scotsman.

The former Scotland international also highlighted Fernandez’s athleticism, ability on the ball, aerial strength and confidence as qualities that make him highly valuable

Broadfoot’s assessment comes after Rangers ended the period before the international break with six consecutive victories, including two wins over Celtic and five clean sheets in six matches.

Super Eagles: Why Rangers were right to keep Emmanuel Fernandez

1. Fernandez gives Rangers a rare combination at centre-back

The first reason Rangers were right to keep Fernandez is the variety of qualities he brings to the position.

At 25, the Nigerian is not simply a conventional centre-back who specialises in defending his penalty area. Broadfoot pointed to his ability to carry out several different tasks.

“He’s an all-round athlete. He’s good on the ball. He’s very good in the air. He’s confident,” Broadfoot said.

That combination is very valuable for Rangers because Fernandez can contribute both when the team is defending and when it is trying to build from the back.

His numbers also underline his importance. Fernandez started all seven of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches before the international break, playing every minute of those games. He also played 27 league matches last season, scoring five goals.

More importantly, his first campaign at Ibrox ended with him being voted Rangers’ Men’s Player of the Year by supporters.

The award followed a season in which the defender became a key part of the team and also offered a threat from set pieces.

That makes the decision to retain him understandable. Rangers were not simply keeping a defender; they were keeping one of their most important players.

2. His partnership with Makhanya is becoming a major asset

The second reason may be more important as the season develops. Fernandez has formed a partnership with South African defender Olwethu Makhanya, who joined Rangers during the summer from Philadelphia Union.

Rather than seeing the arrival of a new centre-back as a reason to move Fernandez on, Rangers have found a combination that is beginning to produce results.

The pair were at the heart of Rangers’ defensive run before the international break, helping the club record five clean sheets in six matches. They also started together in both victories over Celtic in September.

Makhanya, before going on International duty to South Africa, acknowledged that the relationship is improving.

“The partnership and the relationship with Emmanuel Fernandez is growing,” he said after the 1-0 victory at Celtic.

Fernandez has similarly praised their understanding, and that development could be KEY for Rangers.

“The relationship I have with Maka is very good. He has done well since coming in. We are growing as a partnership; we are keeping clean sheets, but there is more to come.”

A strong centre-back partnership requires understanding, communication and consistency, and Rangers appear to be developing those qualities at the right time.

For Fernandez, it also means his value to the club is no longer based solely on what he can do individually. He is becoming part of a defensive structure that is producing results.

Why it matters for Fernandez and Nigeria

Rangers’ decision to keep Fernandez is also significant for the Super Eagles.

The defender was left on the bench for Nigeria’s two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Rwanda and Guinea-Bissau last month, but his continued development at Rangers gives Eric Chelle another option at centre-back.

Fernandez’s performance against Russia shows that there are some key areas he still has to improve.

However, the more convincing his performances become at Ibrox, the harder it will be for the Super Eagles coach to overlook a defender who combines physical strength, aerial ability and confidence in possession.

Rangers will eventually receive another major offer for Fernandez. For now though, however, Broadfoot’s opinion is hard not to agree with.