Emmanuel Fernandez Names Football Icons Ahead of Debut

Emmanuel Fernandez, a defender for Rangers, has named William Troost-Ekong, Joseph Yobo, and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as his football role models. This announcement comes ahead of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, where Fernandez is set to make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles.

He described his first call-up to the national team as a long-awaited moment in his career, expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. Fernandez, who joined Rangers in the summer of 2025, earned his spot on the national team following impressive performances at the Scottish club.

He acknowledged the pressure of playing for Rangers, stating that it has helped him develop the necessary mentality to handle challenges. Fernandez specifically cited Okocha's style and technical ability as influential during his upbringing.

He also expressed eagerness to play in Nigeria for the first time and anticipates a challenging match against Madagascar, emphasizing the need for the Super Eagles to match their opponents' energy and resilience.