Nigeria-eligible defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez was one of the stars of Rangers’ comprehensive 4-2 victory over Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, Footynaija.com reports.
Rangers were without their talismanic Nigerian striker for this tie, but that didn’t matter much as Russell Martin’s side managed to outscore their League One opponents in a highly entertaining six-goal thriller.
Nedim Bajrami fired the Glasgow giants ahead in the 13th minute, but Joe Rothwell’s own goal leveled matters midway through the first half.
Rothwell made amends with a free-kick that Fernandez headed home for 2-1, before James Tavernier equalised from the spot after a VAR handball decision against Cammy O’Donnell.
Alloa hit back through Scott Taggart to set up a tense finale, yet Findlay Curtis struck late to secure victory for the 28-time League Cup winners.
Fernandez was making his start in Rangers colours, having just joined the Gers from English League One side Peterborough this summer and the 23-year-old defender was delighted to mark his debut appearance with a goal.
What Emmanuel Fernandez said
“I am delighted to make my debut for the club and get my first goal as well,” The Nigeria-born center back told Rangers TV.
“It meant a lot to me to get the goal, I haven’t played a lot recently, so to get my first game and get a goal, I can’t complain too much. I am so thankful to the gaffer for giving me the opportunity.
“I think I am good at set-plays, attacking and defending is one of my strengths and when opportunities like that come along I can’t wait to get my head on it.
“It is always tough when you aren’t playing and sometimes you have thoughts in your head, but you have to wait your turn. When you join a new team things like this happen and you have to work hard and your opportunity will come.
“Training has been good, everyone is very welcoming to me and the gaffer is good with me in training. I am training hard, focusing on the small details and everything will be okay.”
Born in Nigeria, Fernandez grew up in England and remains eligible to represent both countries at international level. For now though, he’ll be fully focused on establishing himself as a key player for Russell Martin and the Gers.