Super Eagles newcomer Fernandez gives harsh verdict on Rangers after title‑race collapse

Super Eagles and Rangers centre‑back Emmanuel Fernandez has taken responsibility for his side’s disappointing performance against Celtic in the Old Firm derby, Afrik Foot reports.

Rangers recovered from a weak start to the SPFL season with a 20‑match unbeaten domestic run that began in December 2025, positioning them in a three‑team title race with Celtic and Hearts. The momentum did not last when it mattered most.

Recent defeats to Motherwell, Hearts and Celtic in the last three fixtures have eliminated Rangers from contention for the SPFL championship.

Super Eagles stars Emmanuel Fernandez and Frank Onyeka. Copyright: xAmeenxAhmedx IMAGO

Fernandez takes blame for Rangers’ fumble

Rangers can no longer win the Premiership, and the defender admitted his defending in the final stretch could have been better.

“I couldn’t pinpoint an issue. But I just feel like maybe we needed to have a bit more fight,” the 24‑year‑old said, as quoted by the Daily Record.

“I can’t say we have been unlucky.

“I can take stick for it because there are certain moments I probably should have defended better.

“There is nothing I can say about my teammates – I will probably just look at myself, if anything.”

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and his teammates can’t hide their frustration with Referee John Beaton. Copyright: Imago

“We knew it was going to be a fight,” Fernandez continued.

“There were moments in games where we had to fight.

“But in football there are going to be moments where you struggle and go under in the 90 minutes.

“I feel that, as a young team if we are going to grow, you are going to struggle but you stick together and defend together.

“Then, when you come out of it, you have opportunities to score. That is something we have to improve on,” the two‑cap Super Eagles defender concluded.

Emmanuel Fernandez Rangers. Copyright: xAlexxToddx

Beyond the disappointment in the league, Rangers may also face a coaching change, with speculation that Danny Rohl could depart amid interest from Bundesliga clubs.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer