Glasgow Rangers of Scotland defender, Emmanuel Oluwasegun Opeyemi Fernandez has declared that he is grateful with the opportunity he has of playing for the Super Eagles at the ongoing four-nation invitational competition in Antalya, Turkey.
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Sports247 reports that, after getting his first cap as a second half substitute in the Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Iran on Friday, Fernández admitted he felt like he was dreaming, but he is now looking forward to playing more games for Nigeria.
The Cupid-faced centre-back, who will clock 25 years old on July 17th, equally admitted it was a huge surprise for him when he got the invitation from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as it came so soon after his breakthrough in Scotland.
Although Fernández also acknowledged that he has always dreamt of playing for the Nigerian national team, the call-up appeared to be early for the fast-rising defender, who was born in England, where he has played for several clubs, including Gillingham, Peterborough United and Barnet.
Fernandez, who is the youngest of eight siblings, and wears jersey number 37 at club level, in memory of one of his brothers that died at 37 years old, confessed that he is now looking forward to getting regular playing time with the Super Eagles.
He disclosed, “When I first got the call to come and play for Nigeria, I was a bit shocked that the national team wanted me. I am grateful I am here, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
“I watched the last AFCON, and I can say the Nigerian team is very good and star-studded. I love the feeling here. I was formerly a midfield player who was converted into a defender.”
Incidentally, Fernandez could get a spot in Nigeria’s starting 11 for Tuesday’s game versus Jordan, following the departure of Semi Ajayi, and the rookie declared he us up to the task, considering that he has played four continental club matches for Rangers this season in the UEFA Europa League.
“Playing in the Europa League is an amazing feeling, especially when I think about how I started my career and how I developed from college football into playing at club level and on the European stage,” Fernandez recounted.
