Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina, believes his Nigerian teammate, Emmanuel Fernandez, can do well in the Premier League. He pointed out the Rangers centre-back’s ability to use both feet and his calm nature as reasons why a move to England could work out, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Aina, who plays for Nottingham Forest, shared his thoughts in a Snapchat chat with Fernandez. He encouraged his followers to pay attention to the defender.
“You lot need to know about this guy. Top, top player, right and left foot, he is top, and he has got a level head,” Aina said.
Fernandez was with Aina when he mentioned the idea of moving to the Premier League.
“Premier League soon?” Aina asked. “Amen,” Fernandez replied.
This conversation comes as Fernandez has been rising quickly in his career.
He joined Rangers from Peterborough United in 2025 and had a great first season in Scotland. He won the club’s Player of The Year award and made it to the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of The Year. However, his start to this season has not been easy, facing criticism for some early performances. Thankfully, his form has improved, especially playing alongside centre-back partner, Olwethu Makhanya.
Aina mentioned Fernandez’s skill with both feet. He showed this during his first Super Eagles start against Jordan in March. He controlled a cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel and then switched to his left foot to score Nigeria’s second goal. Pundits believe this flexibility makes a defender harder to press, especially in the Premier League, where attackers close down opponents quickly.
Fernandez also had some experience playing as a midfielder before focusing on central defence. This background has helped him feel comfortable bringing the ball out from the back.
Fernandez has dealt with pressure at Rangers, including some mistakes against Falkirk and St Mirren earlier this season. He was booked just four minutes into an Old Firm derby at Celtic Park but managed to play through the rest of the match without any more issues.
“It is a lot of pressure playing for a team like Glasgow Rangers, but it is enjoyable,” Fernandez told Football Fans Tribe.
“I feel like there will be moments in the season where you are under a bit of pressure, but that is where you show how good you are, and that you can get through it, that is how you get through it as a player.”
Fernandez’s journey to success has been unusual. He came up through Brentford’s academy and played in non-league football before moving to Peterborough United and then Rangers, and now he is part of the Super Eagles.
A move to the Premier League would be a big step up for him, and Aina’s public support adds to the growing focus on a player who, until two years ago, was playing outside the top levels of professional football in England.
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