Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has revealed the two things that surprised him most about Russia after Nigeria’s dramatic 3-3 draw with the European side in an international friendly.

The Rangers centre-back was impressed by the warmth of the Russian people and the unexpected reaction of supporters who cheered Nigeria’s goals despite their team being the opposition.

Fernandez had not expected the trip to Russia to be such a positive experience. However, the reception he received left a lasting impression on the former Peterborough defender, who helped Nigeria recover from a difficult position to secure a draw in Nizhny Novgorod.

The friendly was part of a lengthy international break for the Nigerian squad, with the players travelling across three countries before completing their assignments.

Emmanuel Fernandez during Poland vs Nigeria friendly match in Warsaw — Emmanuel Fernandez. Copyright: xFotoxOlimpikx IMAGO

What Fernandez said of Super Eagles vs Russia

“I didn’t realise the window was going to be that long! We started in Nigeria, then we went to Guinea-Bissau then Russia,” Fernandez told the Scottish Sun.

“I enjoyed it. I didn’t expect Russia to be how it was but it was amazing. It was way better than I thought.

“The people were so kind and caring. The funny thing is when we scored they were cheering our goals!”

Fernandez confessed that the experience challenged his expectations of travelling to Russia for an international football match.

The defender admitted that the country was much better than he had anticipated, singling out the kindness and warmth of the people he encountered during the visit.

Fernandez was also left stunned by the backing to the home side, after some Russian fans cheered the Super Eagles’ goals. It was a move that created an atmosphere that Fernandez clearly did not expect.

Nigeria's Emmanuel Fernandez, Russia's Aleksandr Sobolev and Isaac James — Nigeria’s Emmanuel Fernandez, Russia’s Aleksandr Sobolev and Isaac James. Photo by Icon Sport

Super Eagles debut still awaits Fernandez

Fernandez was among the few players selected by head coach Eric Chelle for both Nigeria’s September Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and the subsequent friendly against Russia in October.

However, the defender did not feature against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau, despite being included in the squad for the qualifiers. Nigeria won the first match but lost the second before travelling to Russia for the friendly.

Fernandez, who is leading Rangers’ challenge in the SPL, has now earned three Super Eagles cap but all have been in friendly games.

The Rangers man could get another chance to make his competitive debut for the Super when Nigeria face Tanzania twice in November.