Emmanuel Fernandez
Nigeria international defender Emmanuel Fernandez has issued a heartfelt apology to Rangers supporters following the club’s 3–1 defeat to Celtic, a result that effectively ended their Scottish Premiership title ambitions with just two matches left in the season.
Speaking after the disappointing loss at Celtic Park, the 24-year-old took personal responsibility and admitted the team fell short when it mattered most.
“First and foremost, I apologise to the fans. We know we should have done better, especially in the last three games. We feel sorry for them,” Fernandez said.
The former Peterborough United defender avoided blaming his teammates, instead turning the spotlight on his own performances and the team’s overall mentality.
According to him, Rangers lacked the necessary fight and consistency during critical moments of the campaign.
“I can’t point to one specific issue, but maybe we needed more fight.
I wouldn’t say we were unlucky. There were moments I personally could have defended better,” he admitted.
Fernandez also highlighted the team’s struggle to maintain composure under pressure, noting that while the squad is relatively young, growth will depend on unity and resilience during difficult phases of matches.
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“In football, there will always be moments where you struggle. As a young team, we must learn to stick together, defend as a unit, and take our chances when they come,” he added.
With fixtures against Hibernian and Falkirk still to play, Fernandez urged his teammates to finish the season on a strong note and give fans something to cheer about.
“We have to pick ourselves up and win the remaining games for the fans. There’s a lot of potential in this squad, and next season, we can come back stronger,” he said.
Despite the team’s shortcomings, Fernandez has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Rangers, scoring six goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
His performances also earned him a call-up to the Nigerian national team, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his full debut.
As Rangers look ahead to rebuilding for next season, Fernandez’s accountability and optimism could prove vital in shaping the team’s future.
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