Rangers defender earns maiden call-up to Nigerian national team

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to welcome one of the brightest young centre-backs in Europe to their setup, Emmanuel Fernandez, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old defender, who joined Rangers from Peterborough United in a reported €2.9 million deal, has enjoyed an impressive debut season at the club.

Fernandez has quickly become an important figure in the Rangers squad under manager Danny Röhl, making 26 appearances and scoring six goals so far this campaign.

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Emmanuel Fernandez earns maiden call-up to Nigerian National team

As per Herald Scotland, the young defender has been notified of his call-up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the March International break.

Fernandez's appearances at club level has been rewarded with an International call-up, as Eric Chelle looks to infuse some fresh talent to a backline that has already lost William Troost-Ekong, and have an ageing Semi Ajayi on its hands.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Fernandez started his career with Brentford's youth team before playing for other clubs like Gillingham, Sheppey United, Margate, Ramsgate, Spalding United, Peterborough, Barnet, but it appears Rangers have done the magic.

While he joined the club for €2.9 in the summer, his market value has more than tripled as he's now worth €9m as per Transfermarkt.

Fernandez could make his debut for the Super Eagles in a four-team international friendly tournament scheduled for the end of March.

The competition was initially planned to take place in Amman, but organisers moved the event to Antalya in Turkey due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Should he make his debut, he'll join Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey, and Sadiq Umar on the list of Nigerian stars who made their first national team appearance while playing for the Scottish club.

Fernandez wears the number 37 to honour his brother, who died at the age of 37. The Rangers centre-back is the youngest of eight siblings.