Newly capped defender Emmanuel Fernandez has said he is delighted to be handed a chance to play for the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old Rangers defender replaced Semi Ajayi at halftime in the Super Eagles 2-1 win over Iran Friday in Turkey.
He is in line for a second cap against Jordan in another friendly later today.
The central defender said he is most grateful for the opportunity.
“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,“ he said.
“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.”
