Rangers Look to Sign Another Nigerian Centre-Back to Join Emmanuel Fernandez

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Rangers eye another Nigerian centre-back to join Emmanuel Fernandez

Rangers are reportedly looking to sign 19‑year‑old Zalaegerszeg defender Akpe Victory to join Emmanuel Fernandez next season, according to Afrik Foot.

The teenager joined the Hungarian club in the winter transfer window after a year with Lithuanian side Banga Gargzdai.

Standing 1.95 m tall, Victory’s height and presence are seen as a needed addition to Rangers’ back line, following defensive errors that cost the club points in the final stages of the SPFL title race, which was ultimately won by Celtic.

Akpe Victory of ZTE seen during the MOL Magyar Cup Final against Ferencvaros

Rangers keen on signing Akpe Victory

The club is aiming to reshape its squad for the upcoming season, hoping to build a team capable of challenging Celtic for the league title once again.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Rangers are in a competitive race with several top clubs for Victory’s signature.

🛠️ Exclusive: ZTE have rejected two offers from Basel for Akpe Victory.

Gulf in valuation between clubs. The Hungarian side is waiting for a higher proposal.

In addition to Rangers and Benfica, there have now been approaches from teams in Spain, France, Germany and Italy for… pic.twitter.com/FRgpzK81aH

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 5, 2026

FC Basel has already turned down two bids for Victory, while Rangers and Benfica are waiting for the transfer window to open before making any financial commitments. Zalaegerszeg is reportedly seeking around €5 million for the 19‑year‑old.

Why Rangers want Akpe Victory to join Fernandez

Rangers will be without James Tavernier next season after the captain confirmed he will leave the club after eleven years. Across all competitions, the Englishman scored 144 goals and provided 148 assists, the most goal contributions of any right back in football history.

According to Football Insider, Emmanuel Fernandez is expected to be named captain next season, having shown leadership from the back during his debut season in a top‑flight league.

Given the club’s previous success with Nigerian centre‑backs such as Calvin Bassey, Rangers believe Fernandez can mentor Victory should the player decide to join Ibrox, especially as options in the centre‑back position are limited.

Akpe Victory during the Fizz Liga match between Ferencvaros and ZTE at the Groupama Arena

Rangers finished third behind Hearts and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership last season, a position they hope to improve upon in the next campaign.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a CAF‑Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets such as Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross‑cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.