Nigeria’s Emmanuel Fernandez faces fresh Rangers scrutiny after costly St Mirren error

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has come under fresh scrutiny after making a costly error during Rangers’ narrow 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory over St Mirren at Ibrox on Wednesday.

The Nigerian centre-back was criticised for losing possession in a dangerous area after attempting to play out from the back, providing St Mirren with an opportunity to threaten the Rangers goal.

Although the visitors failed to capitalise on the mistake and Rangers eventually secured victory through Bojan Miovski’s 91st-minute goal, Fernandez’s error has renewed questions over his performances at the start of the season.

Fernandez, who started alongside Olwethu Makhanya, had entered the match under pressure after recently acknowledging that his performances had fallen below the standards expected of him.

The defender had apologised to Rangers supporters for his early-season displays and promised to improve, but his latest mistake has ensured that the spotlight remains firmly on him.

Cammy Bell takes aim at Fernandez

Former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell, now a commentator for Rangers TV, was particularly critical of the Nigerian after watching the incident unfold.

Fernandez attempted to maintain possession and initiate an attack from defence but was caught in possession after making a risky move in his own half.

Bell questioned the decision-making of the 25-year-old, insisting that such errors are unacceptable for a centre-back operating at Rangers.

“When you’re a centre-half, you need to make better decisions,” Bell said in quotes reviewed by Rangers News.

“These are bad decisions. That flick there. Can’t be doing that.

“He’s an excellent player, but you just cannot do that,” Bell concluded.

The criticism comes despite Rangers keeping a clean sheet and eventually claiming all three points against a stubborn St Mirren side.

However, the incident could easily have had more serious consequences had the visitors converted the opportunity presented to them.

Fernandez faces battle for consistency

Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United in 2025 and has gradually established himself among the club’s defensive options.

His ability to play from the back has made him an important component of Rangers’ defensive structure, but his performances have also attracted criticism when mistakes have exposed the team to unnecessary danger.

The latest incident will therefore be particularly frustrating for Fernandez, given his recent admission that he must raise his level.

Rather than being judged solely on one error, the Nigerian will now be expected to demonstrate greater consistency as Rangers pursue their objectives on multiple fronts this season.

For manager Derek McInnes, Fernandez’s ability to make better decisions under pressure could prove important as competition for places in central defence intensifies.

The Nigerian will also be determined to put the latest criticism behind him and regain confidence ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.