New Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez says he was taken by shock when he was told by head coach Eric Chelle that he should join the team for the four team invitational tournament in Turkey, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
On Thursday he made his debut for the Super Eagles in a 2-1 win over Iran, coming in as a substitute for Igoh Ogbu who picked up a knock.
Fernandez who is having his breakthrough season at Scottish side Rangers was quoted as saying by the communication department that he didn’t know how to react when he got the call.
“When I first got the call to come and play for Nigeria, I was a bit shocked 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 Nigeria team is very good and star-studded. I love the feeling here. I was formerly a midfield player who was converted into a defender.
“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,” said the 24 year old.
