Nigeria international defender Emmanuel Fernandez who was born in England says he is looking forward to his first competive game for Nigeria ahead of tomorrow’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Fernandez made his debut for Nigeria in the friendly games against Iran, and went ahead to make more appearances against Jordan and Poland respectively.
However he is yet to play a competive game for Nigeria, and tomorrow’s game against Madagascar presents the perfect opportunity for him but it can also come four days later away to Guinea-Bissau.
While looking back at his choice of playing for Nigeria rather than wait for England, the 25 year old Rangers defender revealed that playing for Super Eagles has long been his career goal.
He said: “It’s another challenge for me and I can’t wait for it. Playing in Nigeria for my country is something I have always wanted and I have waited for it my whole career, so I will be very proud.
“I may not have been born in Nigeria, but this is the country I am from.
“Now I need to show why I am here and prove I belong at this level.
“We are approaching this game with confidence and the right mentality,
“When you play games against a team like this, anything could happen, so it is important we match the effort they put in and our quality will come through.
“I am really enjoying myself in camp. The biggest difference is the food I get here because it’s a lot different from what I am used to getting in Scotland. But I think I actually prefer the food here!”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
