Rangers standout and Nigerian international Emmanuel Fernandez has opened up about the deeply personal motivation behind his choice of the number 37 jersey for the Super Eagles. The 24-year-old defender, who recently celebrated a significant career milestone by earning his first cap for the three-time African champions during Friday’s international friendly against Iran, explained that the selection is a profound homage to a lost family member.
During a candid discussion with Rangers TV, Fernandez detailed how the specific squad number serves as a living memorial for his late brother, who was 37 years old at the time of his passing. The center-back shared reflections on their relationship, noting the significant age difference that saw his brother navigating fatherhood and academic milestones in engineering while Fernandez was still in his formative years.
According to the defender, the commitment to this number began almost immediately after the tragedy and has since become the driving force behind his professional journey. Every appearance on the pitch is now dedicated to the memory of his sibling and the legacy he left behind.
“My brother passed away at 37, so it is like the only way to do things for him. Obviously, the age gap was over 15 years, so, as I was growing up, he was having his children and going to the University,” the 24-year-old said.
“He studied Engineering, and had three children. It’s why I wear his number. When he passed, I played a game a few days later, and now everything I do on the pitch is for him.”
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