Emmanuel Fernandez: Rangers employee slams Super Eagles defender after costly error

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers warms up. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnstonx

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has come under fresh criticism after making a costly error during Rangers’ 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory over St Mirren, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fernandez recently apologised to Rangers supporters following criticism of his performances and vowed to improve after admitting he had not started the season at the level expected of him.

However, the Nigerian defender was again singled out after Rangers’ narrow victory over St Mirren at Ibrox on Wednesday.

Fernandez started the game alongside Olwethu Makhanya as Derek McInnes’ side secured all three points through a 91st-minute Bojan Miovski’s goal.

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Despite the clean sheet, the defender was involved in a moment that could have proved costly for Rangers.

Former Rangers goalkeeper, Cammy Bell, who now works as a commentator for Rangers TV, has criticised Fernandez after the Nigeria international was caught in possession during the second half.

Fernandez attempted to play out from the back but lost the ball in a dangerous area, giving St Mirren an opportunity to threaten Rangers’ goal.

“When you’re a centre-half, you need to make better decisions,” the 39-year-old said in quotes reviewed by Rangers News.

“These are bad decisions. That flick there. Can’t be doing that.

“He’s an excellent player, but you just cannot do that,” Bell concluded.

The incident will be another frustrating moment for Fernandez, who has already faced questions over his performances during the early stages of the season.

The defender’s recent admission that he needs to improve had appeared to signal his determination to respond to the criticism surrounding him.

Instead, another error against St Mirren has ensured the scrutiny around the Super Eagles defender is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Soccer Fernandez must find consistency at Rangers

Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United in 2025 and has gradually become an important part of the club’s defensive options.

His performances have, however, attracted criticism at various points, particularly when Rangers have struggled to build from the back.

The 25-year-old will now have to respond on the pitch, with Rangers competing on multiple fronts this season.

For Fernandez, the challenge is not necessarily about one mistake but showing the consistency required to convince McInnes and Rangers supporters that he can be trusted as a long-term option in central defence.

The Nigerian will also be keen to put the latest criticism behind him as he looks to feature in Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.