Rangers defender Fernandez reveals three Nigerian footballers he looks up to

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has named former Super Eagles captains Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Joseph Yobo and William Troost-Ekong as his three Nigerian football role models.

The 25-year-old made the revelation while speaking to Football Fans Tribe ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Asked about the Nigerian players he looks up to, Fernandez singled out Okocha, Yobo and Troost-Ekong.

“Troost-Ekong, Joseph Yobo, and, of course, Jay-Jay Okocha,” he said.

Fernandez particularly praised Okocha’s style of play and his ability to entertain with the ball, noting that many young footballers grew up aspiring to emulate the former Bolton Wanderers and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.

“I think the style, elegance, and things that he [Okocha] does with the ball—I think everyone growing up wants to play like that. Obviously, things change, and you end up not playing like that,” Fernandez added.