Super Eagles Defender Named in PFA Scotland Premiership Team Of the Year

Super Eagles Defender Named in PFA Scotland Premiership Team Of the Year

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigerian international Emmanuel Fernandez has been voted into the PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year for the 2025/26 season, capping an impressive debut campaign with Rangers FC, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 24-year-old centre-back earned the honour through votes from his fellow professionals in Scotland’s top flight, recognising his standout performances at the heart of the Rangers defence. Fernandez is the only Rangers player selected in the team.

Fernandez joined Rangers in the summer of 2025 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the Light Blues’ backline after an initial adjustment period. 

He has made 28 appearances across all competitions this season, delivering consistent displays that have drawn praise for his aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and defensive solidity.

His excellent form was recently rewarded with a call-up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. 

The towering defender made his international debut earlier this year and has already featured in multiple matches, including scoring on his first full start in a friendly.

Reacting to the accolade, Fernandez expressed his delight, saying it “means a lot” to him and that his debut season at Ibrox has exceeded his expectations.

He lines up in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year defence alongside Paul McGinn (Motherwell) and the Heart of Midlothian duo of Craig Halkett and Harry Milne.

The recognition comes at a pivotal time for the England-born Nigerian, who has attracted interest from several top European clubs, with reports suggesting Rangers could demand a significant fee for the player in the upcoming transfer window.

Fernandez’s rise from lower-league football in England to the *Scottish Premiership Team of the Year and a Nigeria international in less than a year underscores his rapid development and potential as one* of Africa’s emerging defensive talents.