Couldn’t say no to playing for Super Eagles: new defender revealed

Emmanuel Fernandez, who received his first invitation to the Nigerian senior national team, expressed his excitement before teaming up with the team for the four-team tournament in Turkey, reports OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Nigeria will participate in a four-team tournament in Türkiye, featuring Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica. It was originally scheduled to take place in Jordan, but was postponed due to escalating violence in the Middle East.

Fernandez was among the new players to be called up to the squad for the first time, largely due to his impressive form for Rangers following his move from Peterborough United, where he spent the final six months of his time there on loan to Barnet.

The Nigerian team’s coach, Eric Chelle, was quite impressed with the 24-year-old who, in addition to his main role as a defender, has also scored his fair share of goals. He has five goals this season.

Eligible for England, he said there was no hesitation on his part when he received the call to be part of the Nigerian senior team for the upcoming friendly tournament.

“When I got the call I couldn’t say no. There was no way I was going to turn down the opportunity to play for a big football nation like Nigeria. The idea is to go in there and make a mark,” he told OwnGoalNigeria.com in an exclusive chat.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman